Synergistic Vertebral Body Replacement Systems
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept integrates vertebral body replacement devices with AI, IoT, blockchain, and novel biomaterials to create a more powerful and personalized system for cervical spine surgeries, offering improved patient outcomes and enhanced surgical planning.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a method and apparatus for placing a vertebral body replacement device into a transcorporeal void during a surgical operation on the cervical portion of the spine. However, this approach has limitations in terms of device customization, surgical planning, and post-operative monitoring. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing synergistic combinations of distinct technologies.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a vertebral body replacement device, a transcorporeal void creation module, and a blockchain-based authentication module for tracking the device's provenance and usage history. Additionally, the system may include AI-assisted imaging for personalized device selection, IoT-enabled surgical instruments, and a sensor module for monitoring device performance. The system may also incorporate an AI-driven planning module, a virtual reality interface, and a blockchain-based data storage module.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce the novel combination of AI, IoT, blockchain, and novel biomaterials with vertebral body replacement devices, providing a synergistic system that offers improved patient outcomes, enhanced surgical planning, and more efficient post-operative monitoring. The inventive concept's novelty lies in the integration of these distinct technologies to create a more powerful and personalized system.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include using different AI algorithms for personalized device selection, incorporating additional sensors for real-time monitoring, or integrating the system with existing hospital information systems. Variations may also include using different types of biomaterials, modifying the blockchain-based authentication module, or developing specialized surgical instruments for specific spine procedures.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device and healthcare industries, particularly in the areas of spine surgery and orthopedic implants. The system's ability to offer personalized and more efficient surgical procedures, improved patient outcomes, and enhanced post-operative monitoring can lead to increased adoption and market share.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F2/442 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/2846 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/3071 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/4435 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Orthopedic surgical devices and methods, specifically spinal implant technologies with a focus on vertebral body replacement techniques in cervical spine procedures
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthopedic surgical device designer with advanced degrees, expertise in medical device design, biomaterials, and surgical intervention technologies, familiar with emerging digital health integration strategies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating digital technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain with existing vertebral body replacement devices represents a predictable technological evolution. The core surgical method remains fundamentally consistent with the source patent, with digital augmentation providing enhanced planning, tracking, and monitoring capabilities. The proposed variations represent incremental improvements using known technological integration techniques common in medical device innovation.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,431 |
|---|---|
| Title | Method and apparatus for placement of vertebral body replacement device into a transcorporeal void during a surgical operation on the cervical portion of the spine |