Advanced Blood Sequestration Device with Adaptive Needle Retraction
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved blood sequestration device that automatically adjusts needle retraction timing and speed based on real-time blood flow rate and viscosity detection, enhancing safety, efficiency, and accuracy in blood sampling.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a blood sequestration device that inhibited contaminated blood from inclusion in a blood culture test sample. However, the device had limitations in terms of needle retraction timing and speed, which could lead to blood contamination or inefficient sampling. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating advanced sensors and adaptive mechanisms to optimize needle retraction.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The advanced blood sequestration device comprises a sensor to detect blood flow rate and viscosity, which communicates with a dynamic needle retraction mechanism. The mechanism adjusts its retraction speed and timing in real-time based on the detected parameters, ensuring efficient and safe blood sampling. Additionally, the device may include an integrated sterilization module utilizing UV light or antimicrobial coatings to reduce the risk of bloodborne infections. A system for real-time monitoring of the device's performance may also be integrated, comprising sensors to detect needle retraction speed, blood flow rate, and patient-specific parameters.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce the novel concept of adaptive needle retraction based on real-time blood flow rate and viscosity detection, which is not present in the original patent. This innovation provides a significant improvement in safety, efficiency, and accuracy in blood sampling, making it a non-obvious advancement over the prior art.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include variations in sensor types, needle retraction mechanisms, and sterilization modules. For instance, the device could utilize optical sensors instead of flow rate sensors, or incorporate different antimicrobial coatings. These variations would ensure broad conceptual coverage and adaptability to different clinical settings.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The advanced blood sequestration device has significant commercial potential in the medical industry, particularly in hospitals, clinics, and research institutions. The device's ability to enhance safety, efficiency, and accuracy in blood sampling would make it an attractive solution for healthcare professionals, leading to increased adoption and market share.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering, specifically blood sampling and sequestration technologies, requiring expertise in mechanical design, fluid dynamics, and medical device safety protocols
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with 3-5 years experience in medical device design, familiar with blood collection technologies, sensor integration, and safety mechanisms for medical instrumentation
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the advanced blood sequestration device represents predictable incremental improvements to the existing blood sampling technology. The core mechanical principles of needle retraction and blood sampling remain consistent, with the primary innovation being the integration of real-time sensing and adaptive mechanisms. These modifications represent standard engineering problem-solving approaches to enhancing device performance and safety.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,320 |
|---|---|
| Title | Blood sequestration device and method |
| Assignee(s) | Smiths Medical ASD, Inc. |