Adaptive Spine Stabilization Systems for Extreme Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept adapts spine stabilization devices for use in high-security environments, extreme weather conditions, disaster relief, compromised immune systems, and high-risk occupations, providing enhanced stability and protection for patients in these unique situations.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent addressed the need for spine stabilization devices that preserve a natural kinematic signature. However, these devices may not be suitable for patients exposed to extreme forces, temperatures, or compromised immune systems. The new inventive concept solves this problem by designing implants with flexible cores and high-strength support components, ensuring stability and protection in these specialized environments.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises a system for stabilizing a spine in a high-security environment, featuring an implant with a flexible core and at least one support component made of high-strength material. The flexible core is designed to withstand extreme forces, while the support component provides additional stability. In extreme weather conditions, the implant's flexible core is adapted to maintain its stability in extreme temperatures. For disaster relief, the implant is designed to be lightweight and compact for easy transportation. In patients with compromised immune systems, the flexible core is made of an antimicrobial material. For high-risk occupations, the flexible core is designed to withstand repeated heavy loads.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features such as high-strength support components, flexible cores adapted for extreme temperatures, antimicrobial materials, and lightweight designs for easy transportation. These features provide a non-obvious solution to the problem of spine stabilization in specialized environments.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include implants with adjustable support components, modular designs for easy assembly and disassembly, or implants with integrated sensors for monitoring spine stability. Variations may include using different materials or geometries for the flexible core and support components.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptive spine stabilization systems have significant commercial potential in industries such as healthcare, disaster relief, and high-risk occupations. Target markets include hospitals, clinics, and medical device manufacturers serving these specialized environments.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F2/4425 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/442 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30011 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30014 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30069 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/3081 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30385 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30392 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30393 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30398 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30433 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30448 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30462 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30607 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30616 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30649 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30652 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30658 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30673 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30772 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30878 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30906 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30925 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/443 |
| A | A61 | A61F2310/00011 |
| A | A61 | A61F2310/00023 |
| A | A61 | A61F2310/00029 |
| A | A61 | A61F2310/00059 |
| A | A61 | A61F2310/0097 |
| A | A61 | A61F2310/00179 |
| A | A61 | A61F2310/00407 |
| A | A61 | A61F2310/00976 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Orthopedic medical devices, specifically spinal implant systems with a focus on intervertebral stabilization technologies involving biomaterials, mechanical design, and surgical implementation
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthopedic medical device designer with advanced degree, expertise in biomaterials, mechanical engineering principles, and understanding of spinal biomechanics, capable of designing adaptive implant systems with knowledge of material science and surgical constraints
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core spine stabilization technology by applying known design modifications to address specific environmental and patient-specific challenges. The fundamental implant structure remains consistent, with the primary innovations being material selection and geometric adaptations that would be within the ordinary skill of a practitioner in the field. The disclosed variations represent logical combinations of known techniques for enhancing medical device performance in specialized contexts.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,433 |
|---|---|
| Title | Six degree spine stabilization devices and methods |
| Assignee(s) | Globus Medical, Inc. |