Advanced Systems and Methods for Aspirating from a Body Lumen
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept relates to enhanced systems and methods for aspirating fluid from a body lumen, providing improved control, efficiency, and safety in clot removal procedures.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed systems and methods for aspirating fluid from a body lumen, but had limitations in terms of vacuum control, ergonomic design, and flow restrictions. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing adjustable vacuum locks, ergonomic grip designs, integrated valve systems, and self-cleaning mechanisms, among other advancements.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new systems and methods comprise a syringe device with an adjustable vacuum lock, allowing for fine-tuned control over the aspiration force. The ergonomic grip design facilitates one-handed operation, reducing fatigue and improving procedural efficiency. The internal syringe barrel member features an integrated valve system, minimizing flow restrictions and enabling efficient clot removal. The plunger includes a plunger seal with a self-cleaning mechanism, reducing the risk of clogging and improving overall system reliability. Additionally, some embodiments feature a built-in pressure sensor, providing real-time feedback to the user on the aspiration force, and a graphical user interface displaying the pressure data to facilitate optimal aspiration techniques.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces several novel features, including adjustable vacuum locks, integrated valve systems, and self-cleaning mechanisms, which provide significant improvements over the original patent. These advancements enable more efficient, safer, and more effective clot removal procedures, making the new inventive concept non-obvious and novel compared to the prior art.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include variable stroke length syringe devices, controlled injection features for clot fragmentation, and customized ergonomic grip designs for specific user needs. These variations ensure broad conceptual coverage and adaptability to different procedural requirements.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The advanced systems and methods for aspirating from a body lumen have significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of interventional cardiology, neurology, and peripheral vascular disease treatment. The target market includes hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions, with potential for widespread adoption and revenue growth.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/22 |
| A | A61 | A61M5/3129 |
| A | A61 | A61M5/3137 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/22079 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering, specifically interventional medical devices for fluid aspiration and clot removal in vascular procedures, requiring expertise in catheter design, fluid dynamics, and medical device ergonomics
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in medical device design, familiar with interventional medical technologies, fluid aspiration techniques, and catheter system engineering
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations and incremental improvements to the source patent's fundamental aspiration device design. The proposed modifications represent standard engineering design choices that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize medical device performance and user experience. The technical variations demonstrate known problem-solving approaches within medical device engineering, utilizing standard techniques of ergonomic refinement, integrated sensor technologies, and mechanical system optimization.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,208 |
|---|---|
| Title | Systems and methods for aspirating from a body lumen |
| Assignee(s) | Silk Road Medical, Inc. |