Adaptable Prosthetic Valve Technology for Diverse Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept discloses the application of prosthetic valve technology with expandable frames to various industries and use cases beyond heart valves, including respiratory, gastrointestinal, dialysis, hydrocephalus, and bionic limb treatments.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed prosthetic heart valves with expandable frames, enabling minimally invasive delivery and improved valve function. However, the patent's focus on heart valves limited its potential applications. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by exploring the technology's adaptability to diverse industries and use cases, thereby expanding its impact and value.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The adaptable prosthetic valve technology features an expandable frame and associated leaflets, which can be tailored to specific applications. For instance, in respiratory treatments, the valve can be implanted in a trachea or bronchus to regulate airflow and mitigate COPD symptoms. In gastrointestinal motility disorders, the valve can be used to regulate the flow of food and fluids. Similarly, the valve can be integrated into dialysis systems, cerebral shunts, or bionic limbs to address specific challenges in each field.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases for the prosthetic valve technology, which are non-obvious extensions of the original patent. The inventive step lies in recognizing the technology's adaptability and developing specific implementations for diverse industries and use cases.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include modifying the valve's material, shape, or size to suit specific applications. Variations could involve integrating sensors, actuators, or other components to enhance the valve's functionality and performance.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptable prosthetic valve technology has significant commercial potential across various industries, including respiratory, gastrointestinal, dialysis, hydrocephalus, and bionic limb treatments. The target market includes medical device manufacturers, hospitals, and research institutions, with potential for significant revenue growth and improved patient outcomes.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F2/2418 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/24 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/2433 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/2439 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/2463 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/246 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/2436 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/2466 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/9511 |
| A | A61 | A61F2210/0014 |
| A | A61 | A61F2210/0076 |
| A | A61 | A61F2220/005 |
| A | A61 | A61F2220/0016 |
| A | A61 | A61F2220/0025 |
| A | A61 | A61F2220/0033 |
| A | A61 | A61F2220/0058 |
| A | A61 | A61F2220/0075 |
| A | A61 | A61F2230/0054 |
| A | A61 | A61F2230/0067 |
| A | A61 | A61F2230/0069 |
| A | A61 | A61F2250/0039 |
| A | A61 | A61F2250/0069 |
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,412 |
|---|---|
| Title | Prosthetic valve with expandable frame and associated systems and methods |
| Assignee(s) | EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION |