Vertebral Body Replacement Solutions for Niche Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857431_0004_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Vertebral Body Replacement Solutions for Niche Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857431_0004_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857431_0004_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. 11,857,431.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A novel system for vertebral body replacement adapted for specialized operational environments, including extreme weather conditions, high-security needs, disaster relief, remote areas, and high-altitude environments.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a method and apparatus for placement of vertebral body replacement devices into a transcorporeal void during a surgical operation on the cervical portion of the spine. However, these devices and methods may not be suitable for use in unique operational environments that require specialized features and functionalities. The present inventive concept addresses this limitation by providing vertebral body replacement solutions tailored to specific niche environments.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises a series of vertebral body replacement devices and specialized surgical tools designed for use in extreme weather conditions, high-security needs, disaster relief, remote areas, and high-altitude environments. For example, a weather-resistant vertebral body replacement device may be used in extreme weather conditions, while a tamper-evident vertebral body replacement device may be used in high-security needs. A compact and lightweight vertebral body replacement device may be used in disaster relief, and a portable surgical kit may be used in remote areas. Additionally, a vertebral body replacement device adapted for use in low-oxygen environments may be used in high-altitude environments.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel features and functionalities that are not present in the original patent, including weather-resistance, tamper-evidence, compactness, and adaptability to low-oxygen environments. These features and functionalities provide a non-obvious solution to the problem of vertebral body replacement in niche environments.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include the use of different materials, designs, and functionalities tailored to specific niche environments. For example, a vertebral body replacement device for use in extreme cold weather conditions may be made of a specialized material that can withstand freezing temperatures. Additionally, the inventive concept may be adapted for use in other areas of the spine, such as the lumbar or thoracic regions.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of orthopedic and neurosurgical devices. The target market includes hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions that operate in niche environments, such as remote areas, disaster zones, and high-altitude regions.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61F2/442
A A61 A61F2/2846
A A61 A61F2002/3071
A A61 A61F2002/4435

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,431
TitleMethod and apparatus for placement of vertebral body replacement device into a transcorporeal void during a surgical operation on the cervical portion of the spine