Adaptable Intervertebral Disc Prosthesis Insertion Systems for Specialized Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857438_0009_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptable Intervertebral Disc Prosthesis Insertion Systems for Specialized Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857438_0009_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857438_0009_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. 11,857,438.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present inventive concept discloses adaptable intervertebral disc prosthesis insertion systems designed for specific, niche environments, including high-security operating rooms, disaster relief settings, extreme weather conditions, remote or underserved areas, and high-altitude environments.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a system for inserting an intervertebral prosthesis into a space between two adjacent vertebrae. However, this system lacked adaptability for specialized environments, limiting its applicability in various scenarios. The present inventive concept addresses this limitation by providing adaptable systems that cater to specific environmental demands.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept comprises systems for inserting an intervertebral disc prosthesis into a space between two adjacent vertebrae, adapted for high-security operating rooms, disaster relief settings, extreme weather conditions, remote or underserved areas, and high-altitude environments. Each system includes an intervertebral disc prosthesis having two endplates movable with respect to one another, with a width in a lateral direction that is less than or equal to the width of the space between the two adjacent vertebrae. The systems further comprise specialized modules, such as sterilization modules, portable power sources, weather-resistant enclosures, satellite-based communication systems, and pressure-compensating mechanisms, designed to address the unique challenges of each environment.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel features that adapt the original system for specific environments, providing a non-obvious solution to the limitations of the original patent. The inventive step lies in the integration of specialized modules that enable the system to operate effectively in diverse environments.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include systems adapted for other specialized environments, such as search and rescue operations, space exploration, or military operations. Variations could also include different types of intervertebral disc prostheses or insertion devices tailored to specific environments.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The adaptable intervertebral disc prosthesis insertion systems have significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, disaster relief, and aerospace. The market for these systems is expected to grow as the demand for specialized medical solutions increases.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
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

Field of Art

Medical device engineering, specifically intervertebral disc prosthesis insertion systems, involving biomechanical design, surgical instrumentation, and adaptive medical technologies across multiple clinical environments

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or orthopedic surgical device designer with advanced degree, expertise in medical device design, understanding of surgical constraints, familiarity with modular medical system design, and knowledge of environmental adaptation techniques

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the core intervertebral disc prosthesis insertion mechanism remains fundamentally unchanged, with the PTD merely adding environment-specific protective and operational modules that represent predictable engineering adaptations to extend the original device's utility across different clinical settings. The variations represent standard design modifications that a skilled practitioner would naturally consider when translating a medical device into diverse operational contexts. The technical solutions proposed are straightforward extensions of existing medical device design principles.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Intervertebral prosthesis with movable endplates designed for precise vertebral insertion
PTD Variation
Adding sterilization module for high-security operating room deployment
Obviousness Reasoning
Sterilization is a known prerequisite for medical device deployment, representing a predictable and routine enhancement to existing surgical technologies
Source Patent Element
Prosthesis insertion system with specific dimensional constraints
PTD Variation
Incorporating portable power sources for disaster relief scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Portable power integration is a standard engineering approach for ensuring medical device functionality in resource-constrained environments
Source Patent Element
Precision insertion mechanism with concave pusher portions
PTD Variation
Adding weather-resistant enclosures for extreme environmental conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Environmental protection represents a standard design consideration for medical devices intended for diverse deployment scenarios
Source Patent Element
Intervertebral prosthesis with lateral width matching vertebral space
PTD Variation
Implementing satellite communication systems for remote procedure guidance
Obviousness Reasoning
Telemedicine and remote surgical guidance are well-established technological approaches for extending medical interventions into underserved regions
Source Patent Element
Prosthesis designed with movable endplates
PTD Variation
Integrating pressure-compensating mechanisms for high-altitude environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Pressure compensation represents a predictable engineering solution for medical devices operating across different atmospheric conditions
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ยง 103, the variations disclosed in this Published Technical Disclosure (PTD) would be considered obvious to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) in medical device engineering, when viewed in light of US Patent 11857438. The PTD demonstrates that the claimed environmental adaptations represent routine engineering modifications that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner, thereby anticipating and rendering obvious subsequent patent claims attempting to protect substantially similar technological implementations.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,438
TitleMethods and apparatus for intervertebral disc prosthesis insertion
Assignee(s)Simplify Medical Pty Ltd.