Advanced Stent Loading Systems
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept introduces a suite of direct improvements and enhancements to the original stent loading device, focusing on increased efficiency, safety, and precision. These advancements include a funnel-shaped guide, controlled pressure application, retractable outer sheath, temperature-controlled chamber, and robotic loading mechanism.
Background and Problem Solved
The original stent loading device had limitations in terms of stent damage, inconsistent collapse, and lack of visualization during loading. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by providing a more efficient, safer, and more precise stent loading process.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The advanced stent loading system comprises a funnel-shaped guide that smoothly directs the stent into the delivery sheath or catheter, minimizing stent damage. A controlled pressure application system ensures consistent and predictable stent collapse. The retractable outer sheath allows for real-time visualization of the stent during loading, reducing the risk of damage. A temperature-controlled chamber maintains the stent at a predetermined temperature, reducing material deformation and improving loading efficiency. Finally, a robotic or automated loading mechanism uses computer vision or sensors to detect and adjust the stent's position, optimizing loading efficiency and minimizing damage.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces novel features that are not obvious from the original patent. The funnel-shaped guide, controlled pressure application, retractable outer sheath, temperature-controlled chamber, and robotic loading mechanism all represent significant advancements over the original design.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments could include variations in the funnel-shaped guide's design, different pressure application systems, or alternative visualization methods. The temperature-controlled chamber could be adapted for use with different stent materials, and the robotic loading mechanism could be integrated with various sensors and software.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The advanced stent loading system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the field of interventional cardiology. The system's increased efficiency, safety, and precision make it an attractive solution for hospitals and medical centers, with potential applications in both clinical and research settings.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F2/95 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/2466 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/9525 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/958 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/9522 |
| A | A61 | A61F2210/0014 |
| A | A61 | A61F2230/0017 |
| A | A61 | A61F2230/0071 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical Device Engineering, specifically interventional cardiology and stent delivery systems, involving advanced mechanical design, material science, and precision loading mechanisms for implantable medical devices
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with expertise in medical device design, mechanical engineering, and interventional cardiology techniques, possessing advanced knowledge of stent loading technologies, material properties, and precision mechanical systems
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's stent loading device, utilizing known techniques in mechanical design and medical device engineering. The disclosed enhancements represent logical extensions of the original patent's core concepts, applying standard problem-solving approaches to optimize stent loading efficiency and reduce potential device damage.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,441 |
|---|---|
| Title | Stent loading device |
| Assignee(s) | 4C Medical Technologies, Inc. |