Specialized Intravascular Imaging Devices for Niche Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept adapts intravascular imaging devices for specific, narrow market or unique operational environments, such as extreme weather conditions, high-security needs, disaster relief, or extreme weather conditions.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed an intravascular imaging device with an imaging assembly at the distal portion. However, these devices may not be suitable for specific, narrow market or unique operational environments. The present inventive concept addresses this limitation by providing specialized intravascular imaging devices for niche environments.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new claims introduce specialized variations of the intravascular imaging device, including weather-resistant housing and temperature-controlled transducer arrays for extreme weather conditions, encrypted data transmission systems for high-security needs, self-contained power sources and satellite communication systems for disaster relief, pressure-resistant housing and oxygen-level monitoring systems for high-altitude environments, and GPS tracking systems and ruggedized housing for search and rescue operations.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims provide a novel combination of features tailored to specific niche environments, which are not obvious from the original patent. The inventive concept's value lies in its ability to adapt the intravascular imaging device for unique operational environments, thereby expanding its applicability and usefulness.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Other embodiments may include specialized intravascular imaging devices for other niche environments, such as underwater or space exploration. The inventive concept may also be adapted for other medical imaging modalities, such as MRI or CT scans.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The specialized intravascular imaging devices have potential commercial applications in various industries, including healthcare, disaster relief, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring. The target market includes medical professionals, emergency responders, and researchers working in niche environments.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B8/12 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/4483 |
| H | H05 | H05K1/189 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering, specifically intravascular imaging systems with a focus on ultrasound device design and biomedical instrumentation
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with expertise in medical device design, ultrasound technology, flexible circuit integration, and experience adapting medical imaging devices for specialized environments
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's fundamental intravascular imaging device architecture provides a flexible platform for environmental and operational adaptations. The core imaging assembly design inherently supports modular enhancements like specialized housing, communication systems, and power configurations. These variations represent predictable engineering solutions that extend the base technology into niche application spaces.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,362 |
|---|---|
| Title | Imaging assembly for intravascular imaging device and associated devices, systems, and methods |
| Assignee(s) | PHILIPS IMAGE GUIDED THERAPY CORPORATION |