Vertebral Body Replacement Devices for Specialized Environments and High-Risk Patients
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present disclosure relates to specialized vertebral body replacement devices and methods for their implantation in cervical spines, particularly adapted for use in high-altitude environments, disaster relief, search and rescue operations, and patients with high-risk medical conditions.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosure relates to vertebral body replacement devices and their implantation in cervical spines. However, the original patent does not address the unique challenges and requirements of implanting these devices in specialized environments or in patients with high-risk medical conditions. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by providing devices and methods tailored to these specific needs.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a series of vertebral body replacement devices and methods for their implantation in cervical spines, adapted for use in high-altitude environments, disaster relief, search and rescue operations, and patients with high-risk medical conditions. For example, the devices may include reinforced structural components, specialized coatings to reduce infection risk, and portable surgical kits for use in temporary medical facilities. The methods may involve selecting devices with specific dimensions or features for use in these environments, and implanting them using minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims provide a novel and non-obvious solution by adapting vertebral body replacement devices and methods for use in specialized environments and high-risk patients, thereby expanding the range of applications and improving patient outcomes.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include devices with adjustable dimensions, implantation methods using robotic assistance, or devices with integrated sensors for real-time monitoring. Variations may also include devices adapted for use in other high-risk environments, such as extreme weather conditions or high-security situations.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of orthopedic and spinal surgery. The target market includes hospitals, medical research institutions, and government agencies involved in disaster relief and search and rescue operations.
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 vertebral body replacement technologies for spinal interventions, with expertise in surgical implantation techniques, biomechanical design, and medical device adaptation
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthopedic surgical device specialist with advanced degrees, experience in medical device design, understanding of surgical constraints, and knowledge of materials science and surgical adaptation strategies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's fundamental vertebral body replacement method provides a clear technical foundation for adapting devices to specialized environments. The PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of existing surgical device design principles, utilizing known modification strategies such as structural reinforcement, specialized coatings, and contextual adaptation of surgical techniques.
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 |