Adaptive Endoluminal Support Structures for Niche Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A repositionable endoluminal support structure adapted for deployment in specialized environments, including high-velocity water, disaster relief, high-altitude, high-security, and extreme weather conditions.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a repositionable endoluminal support structure suitable for general medical applications. However, these structures may not be optimized for specific, demanding environments. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by providing specialized variations of the support structure to cater to unique operational requirements.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The adaptive endoluminal support structure comprises a catheter shaft with a reinforced lumen and a distal end configured for deployment in turbulent water conditions. Alternatively, the structure can be guided through a body lumen using a portable, battery-powered delivery apparatus suitable for disaster relief operations. For high-altitude, low-oxygen environments, the frame has a modified strut geometry to optimize blood flow under reduced oxygen conditions. In high-security facilities, the structure features a tamper-evident coating and a securement mechanism to prevent unauthorized repositioning or removal. The kit for delivering a prosthetic device in an extreme weather environment includes a waterproof catheter shaft, a portable, wind-resistant delivery apparatus, and a prosthetic device adapted for deployment in high-wind conditions.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features that adapt the repositionable endoluminal support structure to specific niche environments, providing a non-obvious solution to the limitations of the original patent. The inventive step lies in the specialized design elements and configurations that enable the structure to operate effectively in these unique environments.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Other embodiments may include adaptations for use in confined spaces, explosive environments, or extreme temperatures. Variations could also involve different materials, surface coatings, or sensor integrations to enhance performance in specific niches.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptive endoluminal support structure has significant commercial potential in various industries, including disaster relief, high-security facilities, and extreme sports medicine. The specialized designs can be marketed as premium products, offering unique value propositions to customers operating in these niche environments.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering, specifically endoluminal support structures and prosthetic heart valve delivery systems, requiring advanced knowledge of biomechanical design, catheter technologies, and minimally invasive medical interventions
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in interventional cardiology, advanced materials science, and catheter-based delivery systems, holding at least a Master's degree with 3-5 years of specialized experience in medical device design
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable adaptations of the source patent's core endoluminal support structure technology, applying standard engineering design principles to modify the device for specific environmental conditions. The fundamental mechanical and functional principles of the original stent design remain consistent across the proposed variations, with modifications that would be considered routine problem-solving within the field. The PTD essentially demonstrates how a skilled practitioner would naturally extend the source patent's core technology to address specific use case requirements.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,414 |
|---|---|
| Title | Repositionable endoluminal support structure and its applications |
| Assignee(s) | Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC |