Adaptable Intravascular Imaging Devices for Extreme Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept discloses specialized intravascular imaging devices designed for operation in extreme weather conditions, high-security needs, disaster relief, and other niche applications, providing enhanced functionality and reliability in these unique environments.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent for an intravascular imaging device provides a foundation for intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging. However, these devices are limited in their ability to operate effectively in extreme environments, such as high-altitude or disaster relief situations. This inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing specialized variations and niche solutions tailored to specific operational environments.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new claims introduce various adaptations to the original intravascular imaging device, including waterproof housings, shock-resistant transducer arrays, encrypted data transmission systems, secure authentication protocols, pressure-resistant housings, oxygen-level sensors, portable power sources, rapid-deployment mechanisms, satellite communication systems, and solar-powered energy harvesting systems. These adaptations enable the device to operate reliably in extreme weather conditions, high-security environments, disaster relief situations, and other niche applications.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptation of the original intravascular imaging device for specific, narrow market or unique operational environments. The inventive step is the recognition of the need for specialized variations and the introduction of corresponding design elements, such as waterproof housings and encrypted data transmission systems, to address these needs.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include adaptations for use in extreme temperatures, high-humidity environments, or other specialized applications. Variations could also include different materials or manufacturing processes to enhance the device's durability and reliability in these environments.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including disaster relief, emergency response, and specialized medical applications. The market for these devices is expected to grow as the need for reliable, adaptable medical imaging solutions in extreme environments increases.
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, involving ultrasound transducer design, flexible medical device construction, and advanced electronic integration for diagnostic medical instruments
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with expertise in medical device design, familiar with ultrasound imaging technologies, electronic packaging, materials science, and medical device adaptation for specialized environments
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's fundamental intravascular imaging device architecture provides a flexible platform for environmental and functional adaptations. The disclosed variations represent predictable engineering modifications using known techniques to extend device capabilities for specific use cases. The core imaging technology remains consistent, with incremental improvements addressing operational constraints in specialized environments.
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 |