Specialized Pressure Sensing Guidewires for Niche Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept discloses a family of pressure sensing guidewires tailored to operate effectively in specific, challenging environments, including high-security, disaster relief, extreme weather conditions, high-altitude, and confined spaces.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed pressure sensing guidewires for general medical use. However, these guidewires may not be suitable for use in specialized environments where additional features are necessary to ensure reliable operation and patient safety. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing novel features and adaptations to the original design.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a series of pressure sensing guidewires, each designed to meet the unique demands of a specific environment. The high-security guidewire features a tamper-evident coating to detect unauthorized access. The disaster relief guidewire includes a waterproof seal to protect the device from water and debris. The guidewire for extreme weather conditions incorporates a thermal insulation layer to maintain a stable operating temperature. The high-altitude guidewire features a pressure-resistant coating to withstand increased atmospheric pressure. The guidewire for confined spaces utilizes a flexible shaft material to facilitate navigation through narrow passageways.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept's novelty lies in the adaptation of the original pressure sensing guidewire design to address the specific challenges of various niche environments. The inventive step is the introduction of unique features and adaptations that enable reliable operation in these environments, which is not obvious from the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include guidewires with additional features, such as biometric sensors, GPS tracking, or advanced data analytics. Variations may include guidewires designed for use in other specialized environments, such as search and rescue operations or space exploration.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, disaster relief, and aerospace. The target market includes medical device manufacturers, disaster relief organizations, and specialized equipment suppliers.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B5/6851 |
| A | A61 | A61B5/02154 |
| A | A61 | A61B2562/0233 |
| A | A61 | A61B2562/0247 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering, specifically intravascular diagnostic instrumentation with a focus on pressure sensing guidewires for medical imaging and diagnostic procedures
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with expertise in medical device design, optical sensing technologies, and miniaturized instrumentation, holding at least a master's degree with 3-5 years of experience in medical device development
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the disclosed guidewire variations represent predictable adaptations of the source patent's core pressure sensing technology by applying standard engineering modifications to address specific environmental challenges. The fundamental optical pressure sensing mechanism remains consistent across all variations, with only peripheral structural modifications to enhance operational reliability. These adaptations represent routine design optimization that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to extend the guidewire's utility across diverse operational contexts.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,345 |
|---|---|
| Title | Pressure sensing guidewires |
| Assignee(s) | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. |