Specialized Expandable Fusion Devices for Niche Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept adapts expandable fusion devices for specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments, addressing high-altitude, compromised immune systems, disaster relief, high-security, and spinal deformity scenarios.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent for an expandable fusion device and method of installation thereof has limitations in addressing specialized needs. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by providing tailored solutions for high-altitude environments, patients with compromised immune systems, disaster relief scenarios, high-security environments, and patients with spinal deformities.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises four specialized variations of the expandable fusion device: (1) a high-altitude version designed to withstand extreme pressure and temperature fluctuations, (2) a compromised immune system version featuring a specialized bone graft material that minimizes the risk of infection, (3) a disaster relief version with a sterilization module for rapid cleaning and reuse, (4) a high-security version with a secure locking mechanism and easily replaceable central core, and (5) a spinal deformity version customizable to unique spinal geometries with real-time monitoring. These variations leverage the original patent's expandable fusion device technology while incorporating unique features and materials to address specific niche needs.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious adaptations of the original expandable fusion device, providing innovative solutions for high-altitude, compromised immune systems, disaster relief, high-security, and spinal deformity scenarios. These adaptations involve the integration of specialized materials, designs, and features that address specific challenges and limitations in these niche environments.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations of the expandable fusion device for other specialized markets or operational environments, such as extreme weather conditions, remote or resource-constrained areas, or unique patient populations. These variations could involve modifications to the device's materials, geometry, or functionality to address specific challenges and needs.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of spinal fusion, orthopedics, and neurosurgery. The target markets include hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions serving patients with specialized needs, as well as government agencies and non-profit organizations involved in disaster relief and humanitarian efforts.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering, specifically spinal implant design and orthopedic surgical technologies, focusing on intervertebral fusion devices with mechanical expansion capabilities
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthopedic device designer with advanced degree, expertise in mechanical design of surgical implants, understanding of biomechanical constraints, materials science, and surgical intervention techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's fundamental expandable fusion device architecture provides a versatile platform for targeted modifications addressing specific medical environments. The disclosed variations represent predictable engineering adaptations that leverage the core mechanical expansion mechanism while introducing domain-specific enhancements. These modifications follow standard design optimization practices common in medical device engineering, where core technological principles are systematically adapted to address niche clinical requirements.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,437 |
|---|---|
| Title | Expandable fusion device and method of installation thereof |
| Assignee(s) | Globus Medical, Inc. |