Adaptive Intervertebral Fusion System

Publication ID: 24-11857437_0005_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Intervertebral Fusion System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857437_0005_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857437_0005_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

A next-generation intervertebral fusion system that integrates advanced technologies, such as adaptive geometry, artificial intelligence, energy harvesting, and bio-absorbable materials, to revolutionize the treatment of spinal disorders.

Background and Problem Solved

The original expandable fusion device has limitations in terms of its fixed geometry, lack of real-time feedback, and limited ability to adapt to individual patient needs. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a more dynamic, intelligent, and patient-centric approach to intervertebral fusion.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The adaptive intervertebral fusion system comprises a fusion device with adaptive geometry that adjusts its shape and size in real-time based on feedback from sensors monitoring the intervertebral disc space. The system may also include a bio-absorbable fusion device that gradually releases bone growth inducing factors and biocompatible materials to facilitate a seamless fusion process. Additionally, the system may incorporate a self-sustaining energy harvesting system that powers a micro-electromechanical system to facilitate bone growth and fusion. The system may further include a fusion device with integrated artificial intelligence that analyzes patient-specific data and optimizes the fusion process in real-time, providing personalized treatment and minimizing the risk of complications. The system may also comprise interchangeable components that can be customized to accommodate different patient anatomies and spinal conditions.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in intervertebral fusion technology by integrating advanced technologies such as adaptive geometry, artificial intelligence, energy harvesting, and bio-absorbable materials. These innovations provide a more dynamic, intelligent, and patient-centric approach to intervertebral fusion, which is not obvious from the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include variations in the type of sensors used, the material composition of the fusion device, or the specific algorithms employed by the artificial intelligence system. Additionally, the system may be adapted for use in other orthopedic applications, such as joint replacement or bone fracture repair.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The adaptive intervertebral fusion system has significant commercial potential in the orthopedic and spine markets, with potential applications in hospitals, clinics, and outpatient surgery centers. The system's ability to provide personalized treatment and minimize the risk of complications may lead to improved patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and increased market share for companies that adopt this technology.

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

Orthopedic medical devices, specifically intervertebral fusion implants and surgical technologies involving spinal biomechanical interventions. Requires expertise in mechanical engineering, biomaterials, surgical techniques, and medical device design with advanced knowledge of spinal anatomy and fusion processes.

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or orthopedic medical device designer with advanced degrees, experience in designing surgical implants, understanding of biomechanical principles, familiarity with materials science, and knowledge of emerging medical technologies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable technological extensions of the source patent's expandable fusion device concept. The disclosed adaptive technologies and intelligent systems are logical progressions of existing intervertebral implant design principles. The integration of sensors, AI, and customizable geometries represents incremental innovations that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner seeking to improve surgical outcomes.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Expandable fusion device with adjustable width and height actuators
PTD Variation
Adaptive geometry fusion device that adjusts shape in real-time based on sensor feedback
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of existing expandable device principles with known sensor integration techniques to create dynamic implant response
Source Patent Element
Intervertebral implant with multiple component configurations
PTD Variation
Modular fusion system with interchangeable components for patient-specific customization
Obviousness Reasoning
Known design approach of creating adaptable medical devices with modular architecture to accommodate varied anatomical requirements
Source Patent Element
Fusion device designed to promote bone growth between vertebrae
PTD Variation
Bio-absorbable fusion device that gradually releases bone growth inducing factors
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable extension of existing bone fusion technologies using well-established controlled release material science principles
Source Patent Element
Mechanical actuators for adjusting implant dimensions
PTD Variation
Self-sustaining energy harvesting system powering micro-electromechanical system for fusion facilitation
Obviousness Reasoning
Logical combination of known energy harvesting technologies with existing mechanical actuation principles in medical devices
Source Patent Element
Surgical implant designed for specific anatomical intervention
PTD Variation
Artificial intelligence system analyzing patient-specific data to optimize fusion process
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of machine learning and data analysis techniques to personalize medical device performance
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857437 and the disclosed technological variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed innovations to be obvious extensions of existing intervertebral fusion device technologies. The incremental advancements in adaptive geometry, sensor integration, and intelligent system design represent predictable combinations of known techniques that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to improve surgical implant performance and patient outcomes.

Original Patent Information

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