Secure and Adaptable Expandable Fusion Devices for Specialized Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857437_0004_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Secure and Adaptable Expandable Fusion Devices for Specialized Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857437_0004_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857437_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. 11,857,437.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present inventive concept relates to a family of expandable fusion devices tailored to address specific challenges in high-security, disaster relief, extreme weather, remote, and emergency scenarios, ensuring reliable and efficient intervertebral fusion in diverse operational environments.

Background and Problem Solved

The original expandable fusion device, while effective in general intervertebral fusion procedures, has limitations when applied to specialized contexts. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing novel security features, environmental adaptations, and logistical enhancements to facilitate deployment in unique situations.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept encompasses a range of expandable fusion devices, each tailored to a specific niche. For high-security environments, the device incorporates enhanced security features, such as tamper-evident or access-controlled components. In disaster relief scenarios, the device is designed to withstand extreme environmental conditions and facilitate rapid deployment. For extreme weather conditions, a specialized coating prevents corrosion and ensures durability. In remote or underserved areas, the device features interchangeable components for easy transportation and on-site assembly. Finally, for emergency situations, a sterile, single-use device minimizes the risk of infection.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptation of the original expandable fusion device to address specific challenges in diverse operational environments. The inventive step resides in the integration of specialized features, coatings, and logistical enhancements that enable reliable and efficient intervertebral fusion in these unique contexts.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include devices with adjustable security levels, modular components for customized assembly, or integration with other medical devices for comprehensive treatment solutions.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, disaster relief, and environmental remediation. Target markets include hospitals, medical device manufacturers, and government agencies involved in disaster response and environmental protection.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61F2/447
A A61 A61F2/442
A A61 A61F2/4425
A A61 A61F2/4465
A A61 A61F2/4611
A A61 A61F2002/2817
A A61 A61F2002/2835
A A61 A61F2002/3083
A A61 A61F2002/30266
A A61 A61F2002/30387
A A61 A61F2002/30397
A A61 A61F2002/30405
A A61 A61F2002/30411
A A61 A61F2002/30433
A A61 A61F2002/30471
A A61 A61F2002/30482
A A61 A61F2002/30484
A A61 A61F2002/30507
A A61 A61F2002/30517
A A61 A61F2002/30522
A A61 A61F2002/30523
A A61 A61F2002/30528
A A61 A61F2002/30555
A A61 A61F2002/30556
A A61 A61F2002/30558
A A61 A61F2002/30579
A A61 A61F2002/30593
A A61 A61F2002/30601
A A61 A61F2002/30607
A A61 A61F2002/30828
A A61 A61F2002/30841
A A61 A61F2002/30843
A A61 A61F2002/30904
A A61 A61F2002/443
A A61 A61F2310/00011
A A61 A61F2310/00017
A A61 A61F2310/00023
A A61 A61F2310/00179

Field of Art

Medical device engineering, specifically spinal implant design and surgical intervention technologies, focusing on intervertebral fusion devices with mechanical expansion capabilities

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or orthopedic device designer with expertise in spinal implant mechanics, biomaterials, surgical deployment techniques, and knowledge of medical device adaptation for specialized environments

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the fundamental expandable fusion device architecture from the source patent provides a versatile platform for environmental and operational context modifications. The core mechanical expansion mechanism remains consistent while peripheral features are strategically adapted to address specific use scenarios. These variations represent predictable engineering extensions that leverage the base device's inherent design flexibility.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Expandable fusion device with adjustable width and height actuators
PTD Variation
Modular device with interchangeable components for remote area deployment
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would find it obvious to modify the existing device's structural design to enable easier transportation and assembly, as the fundamental mechanical principles remain unchanged
Source Patent Element
Intervertebral implant with multiple endplate portions
PTD Variation
Device with specialized corrosion-resistant coating for extreme weather conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Surface modification represents a predictable design choice to extend device functionality, utilizing known materials engineering techniques to enhance environmental durability
Source Patent Element
Implant with tool engagement elements for width adjustment
PTD Variation
Enhanced security features preventing unauthorized access or tampering
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing additional mechanical or electronic security mechanisms is a straightforward engineering adaptation that does not fundamentally alter the device's core fusion functionality
Source Patent Element
Expandable fusion device with configurable geometry
PTD Variation
Single-use sterile device for emergency medical scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Packaging and sterilization modifications represent standard medical device engineering practices that a PHOSITA would find obvious when adapting the base device design
Source Patent Element
Implant with front and rear actuator assemblies
PTD Variation
Device designed for rapid deployment in disaster relief contexts
Obviousness Reasoning
Optimizing mechanical deployment speed and simplifying installation process are predictable engineering improvements that leverage the existing device's expansion mechanism
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857437's comprehensive disclosure of an expandable fusion device, the present publication demonstrates that variations addressing specific operational environments represent obvious extensions of the fundamental device architecture. A person having ordinary skill in the art would readily recognize that the core mechanical principles remain consistent while peripheral features are strategically adapted, thus rendering potential derivative claims obvious and non-patentable.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,437
TitleExpandable fusion device and method of installation thereof
Assignee(s)Globus Medical, Inc.