Intelligent Spinal Fixation System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A modular, adaptive, and remote-controllable spinal fixation system that dynamically adjusts to individual spinal conditions, predicts adjacent disc degeneration, and promotes optimal bone growth and osseointegration.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent addressed the need for modular extension of existing spinal constructs. However, it did not account for real-time adjustments, predictive analytics, or advanced biomaterials. This inventive concept addresses these limitations by integrating sensors, machine learning, and cutting-edge materials to create a more effective and personalized spinal fixation solution.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The Intelligent Spinal Fixation System consists of a sensor module, processing unit, and modular rod extender. The sensor module monitors spinal stability, and the processing unit analyzes data to determine optimal fixation levels. The modular rod extender adjusts fixation levels accordingly, utilizing self-healing materials, nanoscale surface treatments, and dynamic stabilization systems. The system can also predict adjacent disc degeneration using machine learning algorithms and provide personalized spinal fixation recommendations. Additionally, the system enables remote monitoring and adjustment of spinal fixation levels through wearable sensors and cloud-based processing.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce the concepts of real-time adjustment, predictive analytics, and advanced biomaterials, which are not present in the original patent. The inventive step lies in the integration of these features to create a more adaptive, personalized, and effective spinal fixation system.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments could include the use of different sensor modalities, alternative machine learning algorithms, or varying biomaterial compositions. Variations could also include the integration of additional features, such as electromyography or electroencephalography, to further enhance the system's adaptive capabilities.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The Intelligent Spinal Fixation System has significant commercial potential in the spinal surgery and orthopedic industries, offering a more effective and personalized solution for patients. The system's predictive analytics and remote monitoring capabilities also create opportunities for value-added services and data analytics.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/7052 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00477 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Orthopedic surgical technologies, specifically spinal implant systems and biomechanical intervention techniques, focusing on modular spinal construct design and adaptive medical device engineering
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthopedic surgical device designer with expertise in spinal fixation technologies, advanced materials science, sensor integration, and medical device miniaturization, holding advanced degrees in bioengineering or medical device design
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's disclosed variations represent predictable technological extensions of the source patent's modular spinal construct framework, leveraging known techniques in sensor integration, machine learning, and adaptive materials to enhance existing spinal fixation methodologies. The core modular rod extension concept remains fundamentally consistent, with the PTD introducing incremental technological improvements that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize spinal surgical interventions.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,223 |
|---|---|
| Title | Modular apparatus for extending an existing spinal construct |
| Assignee(s) | SPINE WAVE, INC. |