Balloon Expandable Endoprosthesis for Niche Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A balloon expandable endoprosthesis adapted for specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments, such as extreme weather conditions, disaster relief, high-security needs, or extreme altitude environments.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a balloon expandable endoprosthesis for treating vasculature. However, the existing design may not be suitable for specific, high-stress environments. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by introducing specialized variations and niche solutions tailored to these unique operational environments.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a balloon expandable endoprosthesis with a stent-graft having a plurality of ringed stent elements disposed along a longitudinal axis between an inner graft element and an outer graft element. The stent-graft is releasably secured over a balloon assembly in a constrained diameter, designed to withstand high winds, extreme temperatures, or low atmospheric pressures. The system may also include a delivery device, protective covering member, secure communication protocol, and portable power source, depending on the specific niche application.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious adaptations of the original endoprosthesis design to address specific challenges in extreme environments, such as high winds, extreme temperatures, low atmospheric pressures, or high-security needs. These adaptations provide a unique solution for treating vasculature in these niche environments.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include varying the material composition or structural design of the stent-graft, balloon assembly, or delivery device to optimize performance in specific environments. Additional variations may involve integrating sensors, communication systems, or power sources to enhance the endoprosthesis's functionality in these niche applications.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of disaster relief, high-security medical facilities, and extreme environment medical operations. The targeted market includes medical professionals, hospitals, and medical device manufacturers serving these niche environments.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F2/958 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/07 |
| A | A61 | A61M25/10 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/89 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/072 |
| A | A61 | A61F2240/001 |
| A | A61 | A61F2240/008 |
| A | A61 | A61M2025/1004 |
| A | A61 | A61M2025/1068 |
| A | A61 | A61M2025/1075 |
| A | A61 | A61M2025/1084 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering, specifically endovascular interventional technologies involving stent-grafts, balloon expandable prostheses, and minimally invasive medical delivery systems
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with expertise in interventional cardiology/vascular devices, advanced materials science, and medical device design, possessing knowledge of stent manufacturing, balloon catheter technologies, and adaptive medical device engineering
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable adaptations of the source patent's core endoprosthesis design, applying standard engineering problem-solving techniques to extend the device's functionality into specialized environmental contexts. The fundamental structural elements remain consistent, with modifications representing routine design optimization for specific use cases. These variations demonstrate standard engineering approaches of adapting medical devices to meet specific operational requirements through material selection, structural reinforcement, and integrated system design.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,444 |
|---|---|
| Title | Balloon expandable endoprosthesis |
| Assignee(s) | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. |