Vertebral Augmentation Systems for Extreme Environments
Legal Citation
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
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
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
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,219 |
|---|---|
| Title | Systems for augmenting of a vertebral body by providing for relative movement of a deformable conduit |
| Assignee(s) | Stryker Corporation |