Intelligent Catheter Assembly for Prosthetic Heart Valve Delivery

Publication ID: 24-11857416_0008_PTD

Published: October 28, 2025

Category:Synergistic Combinations

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Intelligent Catheter Assembly for Prosthetic Heart Valve Delivery,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857416_0008_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857416_0008_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. 11,857,416.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A synergistic system integrating a catheter assembly with advanced technologies like AI, IoT, blockchain, and new materials to revolutionize prosthetic heart valve delivery and patient care.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Catheter assembly,' provided a solution for delivering prosthetic heart valves. However, it had limitations in terms of real-time monitoring, data tracking, and patient outcome prediction. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating advanced technologies to enhance the overall delivery process, improve patient safety, and provide personalized care.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The intelligent catheter assembly comprises a catheter assembly, a blockchain-based tracking module, an artificial intelligence (AI) module, a sensor array, and an IoT-enabled communication module. The blockchain-based tracking module ensures the authenticity and origin of the prosthetic heart valve, while the AI module optimizes the implantation process based on real-time imaging data. The sensor array detects and responds to changes in the patient's vital signs during the procedure, and the IoT-enabled communication module transmits real-time data to a remote monitoring station. The system also utilizes machine learning algorithms to analyze data from the catheter assembly and generate personalized risk assessment reports for predicting patient outcomes.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept's novelty lies in the synergistic integration of advanced technologies with the catheter assembly, providing a holistic solution for prosthetic heart valve delivery. The inventive step is the application of these technologies to enhance the delivery process, improve patient safety, and provide personalized care.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include the use of different AI algorithms, various sensor arrays, or alternative communication protocols. Variations may also include integrating the system with other medical devices or using different materials for the catheter assembly.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The intelligent catheter assembly has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the field of cardiovascular surgery. The system's ability to provide real-time monitoring, personalized care, and improved patient outcomes makes it an attractive solution for hospitals, medical centers, and healthcare providers.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A61	A61F2/2436
A	A61	A61F2/2433
A	A61	A61F2/2439

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Medical device engineering, specifically endovascular catheter systems for prosthetic heart valve delivery, requiring expertise in mechanical design, biomedical engineering, and interventional medical technologies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in catheter design, familiar with minimally invasive cardiovascular interventional techniques, advanced materials, and emerging medical technology integration strategies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating digital technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT into existing catheter assembly designs represents a predictable evolution of medical device engineering. The fundamental mechanical structure of the catheter assembly remains consistent with the source patent, while adding computational and tracking capabilities that are well-established in contemporary medical technology development. These technological enhancements represent incremental improvements that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner seeking to enhance device functionality and patient safety.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Catheter shaft with connector assembly allowing rotational and limited tilting movement

PTD Variation

Adding sensor array to detect patient physiological changes during valve implantation procedure

Obviousness Reasoning

Integrating sensors into medical device interfaces is a known technique for enhancing procedural monitoring, representing a predictable application of existing technological capabilities

Source Patent Element

Endovascular delivery device for prosthetic medical devices

PTD Variation

Implementing blockchain-based tracking to verify prosthetic heart valve authenticity and origin

Obviousness Reasoning

Tracking and authentication technologies are standard approaches in medical device supply chain management, representing an obvious extension of existing quality control methodologies

Source Patent Element

Catheter assembly designed for precise medical device positioning

PTD Variation

Incorporating AI algorithms to optimize implantation process using real-time imaging data

Obviousness Reasoning

Machine learning applied to medical imaging and intervention represents a well-established technological trend, with predictable benefits in procedural precision and outcomes

Source Patent Element

Medical device designed for minimally invasive intervention

PTD Variation

Adding IoT-enabled communication module for remote procedure monitoring

Obviousness Reasoning

Remote monitoring technologies are increasingly standard in medical device design, representing an obvious technological progression with clear clinical utility

Source Patent Element

Catheter assembly with mechanical flexibility and precision

PTD Variation

Implementing machine learning risk assessment algorithms for patient outcome prediction

Obviousness Reasoning

Predictive analytics in medical technologies are a known technique for enhancing clinical decision-making, representing a straightforward technological integration

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857416 and the disclosed technological variations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the integration of digital technologies into catheter assembly design to be an obvious extension of existing medical device engineering principles, thereby rendering potential claims to such technological combinations anticipated and non-patentable under standard obviousness analysis.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,416
Title	Catheter assembly
Assignee(s)	EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION