Enhanced Leaflet Support Systems for Cardiac Implants
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
Improved leaflet support systems for cardiac implants, offering enhanced durability, adjustability, and thrombogenicity minimization to address heart valve regurgitation.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent's leaflet support design had limitations in terms of durability, adjustability, and blood flow facilitation. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing reinforced lattice structures, radially adjustable frames, and dynamically adjustable frames to optimize coaptation and minimize thrombogenicity.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new leaflet support systems comprise reinforced frames with lattice structures to improve durability and resistance to fatigue. The frames can be radially adjustable to conform to the native heart valve annulus, ensuring a secure fit. Additionally, the frames can be dynamically adjustable to optimize coaptation of the native heart valve leaflets. The systems also feature cells defined by the frame that facilitate blood flow and minimize thrombogenicity. Anchoring elements disposed along the frame secure the device to the native heart valve annulus.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features such as reinforced lattice structures, radially adjustable frames, and dynamically adjustable frames, which provide significant improvements over the original patent's design. These features address the limitations of the original patent and provide a non-obvious solution to the problem of heart valve regurgitation.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the lattice structure pattern, using different materials for the frame, or incorporating sensors to monitor heart valve function. Variations could also include adapting the design for use in different heart valve locations or for use in conjunction with other cardiac implant devices.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced leaflet support systems have significant commercial potential in the cardiac implant market, particularly in the treatment of heart valve regurgitation. The target industries include medical device manufacturers, cardiac implant companies, and hospitals specializing in cardiac care.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F2/2448 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/2466 |
| A | A61 | A61F2230/0006 |
| A | A61 | A61F2230/0008 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Cardiac medical devices, specifically heart valve implant technologies focusing on leaflet support systems, requiring advanced biomedical engineering and interventional cardiology expertise
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or interventional cardiologist with advanced knowledge of cardiac implant design, materials science, fluid dynamics, and surgical intervention techniques, holding advanced degrees and practical experience in medical device development
Obviousness Rationale
A person skilled in the art would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations on the source patent's core leaflet support design, utilizing standard engineering approaches to address known limitations in cardiac implant technologies. The proposed modifications represent incremental improvements using well-established design strategies within cardiac medical device development. These variations would be considered obvious extensions of the existing technological framework established by the source patent.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,417 |
|---|---|
| Title | Leaflet support |
| Assignee(s) | TRILIO MEDICAL LTD. |