Repositionable Endoluminal Support Structures for Industrial, Agricultural, and Biomedical Applications

Publication ID: 24-11857414_0002_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Repositionable Endoluminal Support Structures for Industrial, Agricultural, and Biomedical Applications,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857414_0002_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857414_0002_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,414.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A repositionable endoluminal support structure, originally designed for cardiovascular applications, is adapted for novel uses in industrial, agricultural, and biomedical fields, enabling advanced monitoring, control, and treatment capabilities.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent focused on cardiovascular applications, but the unique features of the repositionable endoluminal support structure can be leveraged to address specific challenges in other industries. For instance, in industrial settings, pipelines often require monitoring and control to ensure efficient fluid flow. In agriculture, optimizing irrigation systems is crucial for water conservation. In biomedical fields, wearable devices can greatly benefit from advanced monitoring and treatment capabilities. The new inventive concept addresses these challenges by applying the core technology to these new areas.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The repositionable endoluminal support structure consists of a plurality of longitudinal strut members interconnected by a plurality of swivel joints, fabricated from a rigid or semi-rigid biocompatible material. In industrial applications, the support structure is inserted into a pipeline to monitor and control fluid flow. In agricultural applications, the support structure is deployed in an irrigation pipe to optimize water flow. In biomedical applications, the support structure is adapted for insertion into a human joint, enabling advanced monitoring and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Sensors and actuators integrated into the support structure enable real-time monitoring and control in each application.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in the application of repositionable endoluminal support structures, transitioning from cardiovascular to industrial, agricultural, and biomedical uses. The inventive step lies in recognizing the versatility of the original technology and adapting it to address specific challenges in these new fields, resulting in novel and non-obvious solutions.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include modifying the material composition or strut geometry to suit specific application requirements. Variations could involve integrating different types of sensors or actuators to enhance monitoring and control capabilities. Additionally, the support structure could be designed for use in other industrial or biomedical applications, such as oil recovery or neurosurgical procedures.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The new inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including industrial process control, agricultural technology, and biomedical devices. The market for these applications is substantial, with opportunities for partnerships, licensing, and product development. The repositionable endoluminal support structure's adaptability and versatility make it an attractive solution for companies seeking to innovate and expand their offerings in these fields.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61F2/2427
A A61 A61F2/24
A A61 A61F2/243
A A61 A61F2/2409
A A61 A61F2/2412
A A61 A61F2/2418
A A61 A61F2/2469
A A61 A61F2/844
A A61 A61F2/2421
A A61 A61F2/82
A A61 A61F2/94
A A61 A61F2210/0076
A A61 A61F2220/0041
A A61 A61F2220/0075
A A61 A61F2230/0054
A A61 A61F2230/0091
A A61 A61F2250/001
A A61 A61F2250/0004
Y Y10 Y10T29/49826

Field of Art

Biomedical engineering, specifically endoluminal medical devices, stent design, and minimally invasive medical technologies with expertise in material science, mechanical engineering, and medical device development

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degree, 5-10 years experience, familiar with stent technologies, material properties, and cross-disciplinary applications of medical device design principles

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental design principles of the endoluminal support structure are readily adaptable across multiple technical domains. The core technological innovation involves a flexible, repositionable structure with interconnected struts and swivel joints, which can be systematically modified for different environmental contexts. The material composition and structural geometry enable straightforward translation of the original cardiovascular stent design into industrial, agricultural, and alternative biomedical applications.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Frame with plurality of struts interconnected by joints, movable between expanded configurations
PTD Variation
Adapting strut-and-joint structure for pipeline monitoring and fluid flow control
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of repurposing medical device geometries for sensing and monitoring applications, with predictable results in fluid dynamics control
Source Patent Element
Biocompatible material used in cardiovascular stent design
PTD Variation
Utilizing same material properties for industrial pipe inspection and agricultural irrigation systems
Obviousness Reasoning
Material selection is a standard design choice, and biocompatible materials often have desirable mechanical properties for various engineering applications
Source Patent Element
Integrated actuation and positioning mechanisms for medical stents
PTD Variation
Incorporating sensors and actuators for monitoring in non-medical industrial contexts
Obviousness Reasoning
Sensor integration is a well-established engineering practice, and the underlying mechanical principles of positioning and control are transferable across domains
Source Patent Element
Expandable frame designed for precise anatomical positioning
PTD Variation
Adapting expandable structure for joint monitoring and musculoskeletal treatment
Obviousness Reasoning
Mechanical adaptability of stent design makes extension to alternative medical applications a predictable engineering solution
Source Patent Element
Catheter-based delivery system with pull wire actuation
PTD Variation
Applying similar deployment mechanisms for industrial pipe and oil well inspection tools
Obviousness Reasoning
Deployment mechanism represents a known technique for introducing structural elements into confined spaces, with clear technological analogues across different fields
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857414, the present published technical disclosure demonstrates that a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations obvious through systematic application of known medical device design principles. The disclosed adaptations represent predictable extensions of existing endoluminal support structure technologies, utilizing standard engineering techniques of material selection, sensor integration, and mechanical repositioning across multiple technical domains.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,414
TitleRepositionable endoluminal support structure and its applications
Assignee(s)Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC