Enhanced Ingress-Egress Apparatus for Efficient Surgical Implant Removal
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved ingress-egress apparatus and related methods for enhanced protection of surgical work sites during removal of surgical implants, featuring novel design elements and integrated functionalities to increase efficiency, safety, and sterility.
Background and Problem Solved
The original ingress-egress apparatus, while effective, had limitations in terms of metal particle removal, temperature control, and risk of cross-contamination. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a tapered frustum surface with a spiral-shaped sidewall, integrated temperature control, detachable and sterilizable base components, and vacuum-assisted egress ports.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced ingress-egress apparatus features a modified frustum surface with a spiral-shaped sidewall to enhance vortex formation and metal particle removal. An integrated temperature control unit maintains a predetermined temperature range during the surgical procedure. The apparatus also includes an antimicrobial coating to reduce the risk of post-surgical infection. Additionally, the device features a detachable, disposable, and sterilizable base component to minimize the risk of cross-contamination, and a vacuum-assisted egress port to facilitate efficient removal of metal particles and irrigating fluid. The apparatus can be used in conjunction with a sterile saline solution delivery system, comprising a pressurized fluid reservoir, a flow control valve, and a sterile fluid pathway to ensure consistent and controlled delivery of irrigating fluid during surgical procedures.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces several novel elements, including the spiral-shaped sidewall, integrated temperature control, detachable and sterilizable base components, and vacuum-assisted egress ports, which provide a significant improvement over the original patent. These features, in combination, enable more efficient and safe removal of surgical implants, reducing the risk of post-surgical infection and improving overall surgical outcomes.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the spiral-shaped sidewall design, different materials and coatings for the apparatus, and integration with other surgical instruments or systems. Additionally, the apparatus could be adapted for use in various surgical specialties, such as orthopedic, neurosurgical, or cardiovascular procedures.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced ingress-egress apparatus has significant commercial potential in the surgical instrument market, particularly in the areas of orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures. The device's ability to improve surgical outcomes, reduce the risk of post-surgical infection, and increase efficiency could lead to widespread adoption in hospitals and surgical centers worldwide.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B90/03 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/92 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/17 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0042 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/564 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/036 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/08021 |
| A | A61 | A61B2217/005 |
| A | A61 | A61B2217/007 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Surgical Instrumentation and Medical Device Design, specifically focusing on surgical implant removal techniques, with expertise in fluid dynamics, thermal management, and sterile medical device engineering
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degree, 5-7 years of experience in surgical instrument design, familiar with fluid mechanics, sterilization protocols, and surgical procedural requirements
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's modifications represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's fundamental ingress-egress apparatus design. The proposed variations address known challenges in surgical implant removal by applying standard design optimization techniques such as vortex enhancement, temperature control, and contamination reduction. These modifications represent incremental advancements that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner seeking to improve surgical device performance and safety.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,377 |
|---|---|
| Title | Ingress-egress apparatus for protection of surgical field during removal of surgical implants, and related methods |
| Assignee(s) | Board of Trustees of Michigan State University |