Advanced Implantable Shunt Adjustment Systems
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present invention relates to advanced systems and methods for adjusting implantable shunts, providing improved precision, safety, and efficiency in treating various medical conditions.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed methods and systems for adjusting implantable shunts, but had limitations in terms of precision, safety, and efficiency. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing advanced features such as localized thermal treatment, mechanical force application, and integrated sensing, enabling more precise and efficient shunt adjustments.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises advanced systems and methods for adjusting implantable shunts, including a catheter with an adjustable diameter and a shape memory component, a control unit configured to control the temperature of the shape memory component, and a localized thermal treatment system. The system enables precise and efficient shunt adjustments, minimizing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes. Additionally, the inventive concept includes alternative embodiments, such as a catheter with a retractable member for mechanical force application and a catheter with an integrated sensor for monitoring shunt dimensions and providing feedback to the control unit.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features and improvements over the original patent, including the use of localized thermal treatment, mechanical force application, and integrated sensing. These advancements provide a significant inventive step, enabling more precise, safe, and efficient shunt adjustments.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include variations in catheter design, shape memory component materials, and control unit algorithms. Additionally, the inventive concept could be adapted for use in different medical conditions, such as treating blocked vessels or monitoring physiological conditions.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The advanced implantable shunt adjustment systems have significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of neurosurgery, cardiology, and orthopedics. The market demand for improved implantable shunt adjustment systems is substantial, driven by the need for more precise, safe, and efficient treatments.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/12177 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/11 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/1204 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/12109 |
| A | A61 | A61M27/002 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/04 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/3331 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering, specifically interventional and minimally invasive medical device technologies focused on implantable adjustment systems, requiring advanced knowledge of materials science, thermal engineering, and medical device design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with expertise in catheter design, shape memory materials, thermal actuation technologies, and minimally invasive medical interventions, holding advanced degrees and 3-5 years of practical experience in medical device development
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core technology by applying known medical device design principles. The fundamental concept of adjustable implantable devices with thermal and mechanical actuation mechanisms is consistent across both disclosures. The PTD's alternative embodiments represent routine engineering variations that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking incremental improvements in medical device functionality.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,197 |
|---|---|
| Title | Adjustable implantable devices and associated methods |
| Assignee(s) | Shifamed Holdings, LLC |