Suture Guard Systems for Specialized Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A family of suture guard systems adapted for high-security, disaster relief, underwater, and extreme weather conditions, providing secure and reliable implantation of prosthetic valves in diverse operational environments.
Background and Problem Solved
Prosthetic heart valves have been developed to mimic native valve function, but existing suture guard systems lack adaptability to specific, demanding environments. The present inventive concept addresses this limitation by designing suture guard systems tailored to unique operational requirements.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept encompasses a range of suture guard systems, each designed for a specific environment. For high-security environments, the sleeve is designed with enhanced tamper-evidence features. For underwater applications, the sleeve is constructed with corrosion-resistant materials and waterproof seals. For disaster relief scenarios, the system includes a portable power source for adjusting the suture guard position. For extreme weather conditions, the sleeve is engineered to withstand high winds and freezing temperatures. In each variation, the adjustable coupling portion between the sleeve and suture guard ensures secure implantation.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel adaptations of the original suture guard system to address specific environmental challenges, thereby providing a non-obvious and innovative solution for secure prosthetic valve implantation in diverse settings.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include adjustable sleeves with interchangeable components for different environments, or modular suture guard systems that can be easily customized for specific operational requirements.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of prosthetic heart valves, cardiovascular surgery, and disaster relief medical equipment. Target industries include medical device manufacturers, hospitals, and emergency response organizations.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F2/2409 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/2427 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0496 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/2412 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/2454 |
| A | A61 | A61F2220/0075 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering, specifically prosthetic heart valve systems and surgical implantation technologies, with expertise in mechanical coupling mechanisms, materials engineering, and adaptive medical device design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with advanced degree, 5-7 years experience in medical device design, familiar with prosthetic valve technologies, mechanical coupling systems, and environmental adaptation strategies for medical implants
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's fundamental suture guard and adjustable sleeve design provides a modular framework that can be readily adapted to different environmental conditions using standard engineering techniques. The PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the original patent's core mechanical and functional principles, utilizing known materials and design modifications to address specific operational contexts. These adaptations would be considered routine problem-solving within the medical device engineering domain.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,410 |
|---|---|
| Title | Suture guard for a prosthetic valve |
| Assignee(s) | EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION |