Steerable Catheter-Based Systems for Precision Delivery and Sensing
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original catheter assembly to develop novel systems for precision delivery and sensing in diverse industries, including agriculture, aquaculture, wind energy, and veterinary medicine.
Background and Problem Solved
The original catheter assembly was designed for delivering prosthetic heart valves, but its limitations in terms of flexibility and precision led to the development of new applications that could benefit from its core technology. The inventive concept addresses the need for precise delivery and sensing in various industries, where existing solutions lack the necessary accuracy and control.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new systems comprise a steerable catheter assembly, adapted for navigating through complex environments, such as crop canopies, aquaculture systems, wind turbine blades, and animal bodies. The catheter assembly is paired with specialized delivery devices or sensors, designed for specific industries, to enable precise delivery and sensing at target locations. The inventive concept's components include a shaft, a connector assembly, and a precision delivery or sensing device, which work in tandem to achieve the desired outcome.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases for the original catheter assembly, which were not considered in the original patent. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the core technology to address specific challenges in diverse industries, resulting in a significant expansion of the technology's scope and potential impact.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include variations in the catheter assembly's design, such as adjustable stiffness or shape-memory materials, to enhance its navigability and precision. Other variations may involve the use of different sensing or delivery devices, tailored to specific industries or applications.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including precision agriculture, aquaculture, wind energy, and veterinary medicine. The target market includes companies and organizations seeking to improve their operations, reduce costs, and enhance environmental sustainability through the adoption of innovative technologies.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F2/2436 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/2433 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/2439 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device delivery systems, specifically endovascular catheter technologies with precision navigation and connector mechanisms, requiring advanced biomedical engineering and mechanical design skills
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with expertise in catheter design, mechanical coupling mechanisms, and minimally invasive medical device delivery techniques, possessing knowledge of materials science, fluid dynamics, and precision mechanical engineering
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental design principles of the source patent's catheter assembly as readily adaptable to diverse precision delivery contexts. The core mechanical principles of steerable shaft design and connector assemblies are universally applicable across multiple technical domains. The PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of existing catheter navigation technologies by applying known mechanical principles to novel application spaces.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,416 |
|---|---|
| Title | Catheter assembly |
| Assignee(s) | EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION |