Specialized Suture Guards for Niche Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept adapts the original suture guard for prosthetic valves to cater to specific, high-demand markets and unique operational environments, such as high-radiation, disaster relief, extreme weather, high-security, and underwater/hyperbaric conditions.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a suture guard for prosthetic valves, but it lacked adaptability for specialized applications. This limitation is addressed by the new inventive concept, which provides tailored solutions for distinct environments and scenarios, ensuring enhanced performance, safety, and efficiency in these niche markets.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises a prosthetic valve and a suture guard adapted for specific environments, such as radiation-resistant materials for high-radiation environments, thermally-insulated sleeves for extreme cold weather, pressure-resistant sleeves for underwater/hyperbaric conditions, and encrypted identification tags for high-security scenarios. Corresponding delivery devices are designed to facilitate implantation while minimizing risks and challenges inherent to these environments.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel adaptations of the original suture guard, such as radiation-resistant materials, thermally-insulated sleeves, pressure-resistant sleeves, and encrypted identification tags, which are non-obvious and provide a significant advantage in their respective niche environments.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include adjustable radiation shielding, modular sleeve designs for easy customization, or integrated sensors for real-time environmental monitoring. Variations could include using different materials or geometries for the suture guard, or incorporating additional features, such as sterilization indicators or implantation verification systems.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, aerospace, disaster relief, and national defense. Target markets may include hospitals, research institutions, government agencies, and private companies operating in these specialized environments.
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 design, biomaterials, and specialized medical device adaptations
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with advanced degree, 5-10 years experience in medical device design, familiar with prosthetic valve technologies, materials science, and surgical implementation techniques across diverse medical environments
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the fundamental suture guard mechanism from the source patent can be readily adapted to specialized environments by selecting appropriate materials and incorporating known engineering modifications. The core mechanical principles of suture guard attachment and valve integration remain consistent across the disclosed variations. The adaptations represent predictable engineering solutions to known environmental challenges in medical device deployment.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,410 |
|---|---|
| Title | Suture guard for a prosthetic valve |
| Assignee(s) | EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION |