Vertebral Augmentation Systems for Extreme Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857219_0004_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Vertebral Augmentation Systems for Extreme Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857219_0004_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857219_0004_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,219.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

This inventive concept adapts vertebral augmentation systems for specialized, niche scenarios, including high-altitude environments, disaster relief, high-security facilities, extreme weather conditions, and remote areas with limited medical resources.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed systems and methods for manipulating tissue, specifically for vertebral augmentation. However, these systems may not be suitable for extreme environments or niche scenarios, where additional challenges arise. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing specialized variations and niche solutions.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept comprises systems and methods for vertebral augmentation adapted for high-altitude environments, disaster relief scenarios, high-security facilities, extreme weather conditions, and remote areas with limited medical resources. These adaptations include reinforced structures to withstand extreme pressure changes, temperature-resistant materials to maintain functionality in low temperatures, integrated illumination systems for low-light environments, tamper-evident access cannulae with secure locking mechanisms, water-resistant deformable conduit assemblies with hydrophobic coatings, and simplified, manually operated steerable assemblies with reduced components.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptation of vertebral augmentation systems for specific, extreme environments and niche scenarios, which are not addressed by the original patent. The inventive step resides in the combination of specialized components and materials that enable the systems to operate effectively in these challenging conditions.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include using different materials or structures to achieve the same functionality, such as using inflatable components instead of reinforced structures. Variations may include adapting the systems for other extreme environments or niche scenarios, such as underwater or space exploration.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has potential commercial applications in various industries, including medical device manufacturing, disaster relief, and high-security facilities. The target market includes hospitals, medical research institutions, and government agencies operating in extreme environments or niche scenarios.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B17/3472
A A61 A61B17/1642
A A61 A61B17/1757
A A61 A61B17/3478
A A61 A61B17/68
A A61 A61B17/8811
A A61 A61B17/8819
A A61 A61B17/8855
A A61 A61B2017/003
A A61 A61B2017/0034
A A61 A61B2017/00261
A A61 A61B2017/00314
A A61 A61B2017/00318
A A61 A61B2017/00323
A A61 A61B2017/00336

Field of Art

Medical device engineering, specifically minimally invasive surgical systems for vertebral augmentation and tissue manipulation, requiring advanced knowledge of biomechanical engineering, materials science, and surgical instrument design

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or orthopedic surgical device designer with advanced degrees, expertise in medical device design, understanding of material properties, and familiarity with surgical intervention techniques for bone and tissue manipulation

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable adaptations of the source patent's core vertebral augmentation system design, applying standard engineering problem-solving techniques to extend functionality for specialized environments. The modifications involve known design strategies such as material selection, structural reinforcement, and component simplification that are well-established in medical device engineering. These variations represent incremental improvements that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner seeking to adapt existing medical technologies to challenging use scenarios.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Deformable conduit assembly with steerable instrument and expandable structure
PTD Variation
Adding reinforced structures and temperature-resistant materials for high-altitude and extreme environment applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Material selection for environmental adaptation is a predictable design choice using known engineering techniques, with finite and foreseeable solutions for maintaining device functionality under extreme conditions
Source Patent Element
Access cannula with defined structural components
PTD Variation
Implementing tamper-evident locking mechanisms and secure access controls for high-security environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying access mechanisms is a standard design approach for restricting unauthorized device interaction, representing an obvious variation using known security engineering principles
Source Patent Element
Steerable surgical intervention system
PTD Variation
Integrating illumination systems and simplifying mechanical components for low-resource and disaster relief scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Reducing mechanical complexity and adding functional enhancements are predictable engineering strategies for improving device usability and adaptability across different operational contexts
Source Patent Element
Deformable conduit with axial movement capabilities
PTD Variation
Applying hydrophobic coatings and water-resistant treatments for extreme weather conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Surface modification techniques are well-established in medical device engineering, representing a routine solution for environmental protection using known material science approaches
Source Patent Element
Surgical intervention system for vertebral augmentation
PTD Variation
Adapting design for alternative extreme environments like underwater or space exploration applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Translating medical device designs across challenging environments is a standard engineering problem-solving approach, involving predictable modifications to existing technological frameworks
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857219, a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the variations disclosed in the Published Technical Disclosure to represent obvious extensions of the source patent's core technological framework. The modifications represent predictable adaptations using standard engineering techniques, thereby rendering potential claims covering similar technological approaches obvious and unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,219
TitleSystems for augmenting of a vertebral body by providing for relative movement of a deformable conduit
Assignee(s)Stryker Corporation