Enhanced Intervertebral Disc Prosthesis Insertion System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved system for inserting intervertebral disc prostheses, providing enhanced control, precision, and safety during the surgical procedure.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent for intervertebral disc prosthesis insertion methods and apparatus has several limitations, including the potential for prosthesis misalignment and inadequate control during insertion. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a prosthesis insertion device with a grasping member, release mechanism, sensor, and stabilization mechanism to ensure precise and controlled prosthesis insertion.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced system comprises a prosthesis insertion device with a grasping member configured to securely hold the prosthesis in a constrained state during insertion. The system includes a release mechanism to transition the prosthesis from the constrained state to an unconstrained state, which is activated by a predetermined amount of force applied to the grasping member. Additionally, the system features a sensor to detect the prosthesis's position within the intervertebral space, providing real-time feedback to the user during the insertion process. The system also includes a stabilization mechanism to maintain the prosthesis in a stable position during insertion. The new claims introduce these innovative components, enhancing the overall safety and efficiency of the intervertebral disc prosthesis insertion procedure.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a novel combination of a grasping member, release mechanism, sensor, and stabilization mechanism, which provides a significant improvement over the original patent. The inventive step lies in the integration of these components to ensure precise and controlled prosthesis insertion, addressing the limitations of the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the design of the grasping member, release mechanism, sensor, and stabilization mechanism. For example, the grasping member could be adapted to accommodate different prosthesis sizes, or the sensor could be replaced with a different type of detection mechanism. These variations would ensure broad conceptual coverage and adaptability to different surgical scenarios.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced intervertebral disc prosthesis insertion system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the field of spinal surgery. The system's improved safety and efficiency features make it an attractive solution for surgeons and hospitals, potentially leading to increased market share and revenue growth.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F2/4611 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/442 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/4425 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/4455 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/4465 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/025 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0256 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/4603 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30518 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30649 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/443 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/4615 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/4622 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/4627 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/4628 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device design and surgical intervention technologies, specifically focused on spinal implant systems and minimally invasive surgical techniques for intervertebral disc replacement. Requires advanced understanding of biomechanical engineering, medical device design, and surgical procedural methodologies.
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthopedic surgical device designer with advanced degree, 5-10 years of experience in spinal implant technologies, familiar with mechanical constraints, surgical insertion techniques, and medical device innovation strategies.
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's disclosed variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's fundamental intervertebral disc prosthesis insertion system. The additional components like release mechanisms, sensors, and stabilization features are logical extensions of the original patent's core technological framework. These variations address known challenges in surgical device insertion by introducing incremental control and precision enhancements that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner in the field.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,438 |
|---|---|
| Title | Methods and apparatus for intervertebral disc prosthesis insertion |
| Assignee(s) | Simplify Medical Pty Ltd. |