Next-Generation Intravascular Imaging Systems

Publication ID: 24-11857362_0010_PTD

Published: October 28, 2025

Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Next-Generation Intravascular Imaging Systems,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857362_0010_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857362_0010_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,362.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A paradigm-shifting approach to intravascular imaging, integrating AI, nanotechnology, and micro-robotics to enable real-time, high-resolution imaging and predictive diagnostics, revolutionizing cardiovascular interventions and patient care.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent's imaging assembly for intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging devices, while innovative, has limitations in terms of image resolution, diagnostic capabilities, and procedural complexity. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing cutting-edge technologies to create a next-generation intravascular imaging system.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept encompasses a range of innovative components and technologies, including self-cleaning transducer arrays, nanoscale coatings for enhanced imaging resolution, artificial intelligence modules for real-time image analysis and predictive diagnostics, swarm micro-robots for 3D intravascular imaging, modular wearable devices for personalized cardiovascular risk assessment, and virtual reality-based platforms for immersive training and simulation. These components work in tandem to provide unprecedented imaging capabilities, diagnostic accuracy, and procedural efficiency.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a fundamental shift in intravascular imaging technology, moving beyond the original patent's limitations by integrating AI, nanotechnology, and micro-robotics to create a truly next-generation system. The inventive step lies in the combination and implementation of these cutting-edge technologies to achieve real-time, high-resolution imaging and predictive diagnostics.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in transducer array design, nanoscale coating materials, AI algorithm architectures, micro-robot swarm configurations, and virtual reality platform implementations. These variations could be tailored to specific clinical applications, patient populations, or procedural requirements, ensuring broad conceptual coverage and adaptability.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The next-generation intravascular imaging system has vast commercial potential in the medical device industry, with applications in cardiovascular interventions, personalized medicine, and medical training. The market for such a system is substantial, with potential customers including hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A61	A61B8/12
A	A61	A61B8/4483
H	H05	H05K1/189

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Medical device engineering, specifically intravascular imaging systems, involving ultrasound transducer design, catheter technologies, and diagnostic imaging techniques

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer with expertise in medical device design, ultrasound imaging technologies, microfabrication, and advanced signal processing, holding advanced degrees in bioengineering or medical technology with 5-7 years of specialized experience

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's disclosed variations represent predictable technological extensions of the source patent's intravascular imaging framework, leveraging known techniques in AI, nanotechnology, and micro-robotics to enhance diagnostic capabilities. The fundamental structural and functional principles of the original intravascular imaging device provide a clear technological foundation for integrating advanced sensing, processing, and visualization technologies. These improvements represent incremental innovations that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize medical imaging performance.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Flexible elongate member with imaging assembly at distal portion

PTD Variation

Integration of self-cleaning transducer array and nanoscale coating for enhanced imaging resolution

Obviousness Reasoning

A PHOSITA would recognize that surface modification and advanced transducer design are predictable improvements in medical imaging technologies, representing standard engineering approaches to enhancing device performance

Source Patent Element

Support member with multiple cavities for structural configuration

PTD Variation

Modular micro-robotic swarm configuration for 3D vessel mapping

Obviousness Reasoning

Extending the original device's structural principles to incorporate distributed sensing elements is a logical design evolution that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner familiar with miniaturization and distributed sensing technologies

Source Patent Element

Intravascular imaging device with flexible elongate structure

PTD Variation

AI-powered image analysis and predictive diagnostic module

Obviousness Reasoning

Incorporating machine learning algorithms for diagnostic enhancement represents a standard technological progression in medical imaging, utilizing known computational techniques to extract additional clinical insights

Source Patent Element

Imaging assembly with ultrasound transducer

PTD Variation

Virtual reality training platform for immersive medical intervention simulation

Obviousness Reasoning

Translating medical imaging technologies into training and simulation environments is a predictable technological extension that leverages existing imaging data and computational visualization techniques

Source Patent Element

Flexible catheter design for intravascular navigation

PTD Variation

Integrated microfluidic drug delivery mechanism with deep learning treatment optimization

Obviousness Reasoning

Combining imaging technologies with targeted therapeutic delivery represents a logical convergence of medical device capabilities that would be obvious to a PHOSITA seeking comprehensive diagnostic and interventional solutions

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857362 and the comprehensive technical disclosure herein, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations obvious, as they represent predictable technological extensions utilizing known techniques in medical device engineering, sensor technologies, and computational analysis. The disclosed innovations constitute prima facie obviousness under 35 U.S.C. § 103, rendering potential patent claims in this domain anticipated and unpatentable.

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