Advanced Bronchial Isolation Devices with Adaptive Valve Technology
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept presents a novel family of bronchial isolation devices with adaptive valve technology, enabling real-time optimization of airflow regulation during respiration. These devices address the limitations of existing bronchial isolation devices, providing improved treatment outcomes for patients with lung diseases.
Background and Problem Solved
Pulmonary diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), reduce the ability of one or both lungs to fully expel air during the exhalation phase of the breathing cycle. Existing bronchial isolation devices, as described in the original patent, have limitations in terms of airflow regulation, clogging, and lung tissue damage. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing adaptive valve technology, self-cleaning mechanisms, and integrated sensors for real-time monitoring of lung pressure and airflow dynamics.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The advanced bronchial isolation devices comprise a flow control device with an adaptive valve that dynamically adjusts its configuration in response to changes in lung pressure. This adaptive valve technology ensures optimal airflow regulation during respiration, providing improved treatment outcomes for patients with lung diseases. The devices may also include self-cleaning mechanisms to prevent clogging and ensure consistent airflow regulation over an extended period. Additionally, integrated sensors for real-time monitoring of lung pressure and airflow dynamics provide a feedback loop for optimized treatment of lung disease. The novel valve design minimizes turbulence and reduces the risk of lung tissue damage.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept's adaptive valve technology, self-cleaning mechanisms, and integrated sensors for real-time monitoring of lung pressure and airflow dynamics provide a significant improvement over existing bronchial isolation devices. The ability of the valve to dynamically adjust its configuration in response to changes in lung pressure is a novel and non-obvious feature that addresses the limitations of existing devices.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include variations in valve design, self-cleaning mechanisms, and sensor integration. For example, the valve could be designed with a different number of flaps or a varying angle of inclination. The self-cleaning mechanism could be implemented using different materials or geometries. The integrated sensors could be configured to monitor additional parameters, such as temperature or humidity.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The advanced bronchial isolation devices with adaptive valve technology have significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the treatment of lung diseases such as COPD. The devices could be marketed to hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions, providing a new generation of treatment options for patients with lung diseases.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F2/04 |
| A | A61 | A61M16/209 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/043 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/04 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering focused on pulmonary intervention technologies, specifically bronchial isolation and flow control devices for treating lung diseases. Requires expertise in biomechanical design, fluid dynamics, and medical device manufacturing
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in respiratory medical device design, familiar with fluid flow control mechanisms, implantable device fabrication, and pulmonary intervention techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's adaptive valve technology represents a predictable engineering extension of the source patent's fundamental bronchial isolation device design. The core valve mechanism remains substantially similar, with incremental improvements in dynamic configuration and sensor integration that would be considered routine optimization by a skilled practitioner. The variations represent standard design evolution within known technological constraints of bronchial intervention devices.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,406 |
|---|---|
| Title | High resistance implanted bronchial isolation devices and methods |
| Assignee(s) | Pulmonx Corporation |