Adaptive Suture Guard System for Prosthetic Valves
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A next-generation prosthetic valve system featuring a self-adjusting suture guard that dynamically adapts to varying annulus dimensions, ensuring optimal suture placement and minimizing the risk of suture looping.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, 'Suture guard for a prosthetic valve', addressed the need for securing flexible leaflets to a support structure in prosthetic heart valve devices. However, the current design has limitations in accommodating different annulus geometries and sizes. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by introducing a self-adjusting mechanism that dynamically adapts to varying annulus dimensions.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The adaptive suture guard system comprises a suture guard with a self-adjusting mechanism that utilizes sensors and artificial intelligence to detect and respond to changes in annulus geometry. This enables optimal suture placement and minimizes the risk of suture looping. The system also features a nanotechnology-based surface coating that enhances biocompatibility and reduces the risk of thrombus formation. Additionally, the modular design allows for interchangeable components to accommodate different valve sizes and annulus geometries.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a self-adjusting mechanism, sensor-equipped sleeve, nanotechnology-based surface coating, and artificial intelligence-powered prediction and prevention of suture-related complications, which are not present in the original patent. These features provide a significant improvement over the current design, enabling a more effective and safer implantation procedure.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the adaptive suture guard system could include different types of sensors, such as ultrasound or optical sensors, to detect changes in annulus geometry. Additionally, the system could be integrated with other prosthetic valve components, such as the leaflet frame, to create a more comprehensive solution.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptive suture guard system has significant commercial potential in the prosthetic heart valve market, which is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. The system's ability to accommodate different annulus geometries and sizes, combined with its improved safety and efficacy, make it an attractive solution for cardiac surgeons and patients alike.
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
Cardiovascular medical devices, specifically prosthetic heart valve systems with suture guard technologies, requiring advanced biomedical engineering and medical device design expertise
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with advanced degree, specialized in cardiovascular implant design, familiar with medical device manufacturing, surgical implantation techniques, and materials science for biocompatible medical technologies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's proposed variations represent incremental improvements to the existing suture guard technology, utilizing known engineering principles of sensor integration, adaptive mechanisms, and surface modification to address inherent limitations in prosthetic valve implantation procedures.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,410 |
|---|---|
| Title | Suture guard for a prosthetic valve |
| Assignee(s) | EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION |