Enhanced Shield for Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Protection
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An advanced shield for protecting the recurrent laryngeal nerve during neck surgeries, offering improved safety, flexibility, and sensor-enabled detection of potential nerve damage.
Background and Problem Solved
During neck surgeries, the recurrent laryngeal nerve is susceptible to damage, which can result in vocal cord paralysis, breathing difficulties, and other complications. The original patent's shield, while providing some protection, has limitations in terms of flexibility, nerve irritation, and lack of real-time monitoring. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a porous structure, adjustable tabs, built-in sensors, hydrophilic coatings, and a comprehensive kit for surgeons.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced shield features a porous structure that allows for fluid exchange and minimizes nerve irritation. The shield can be secured in place using adjustable tabs, ensuring a snug fit around the nerve. Additionally, a built-in sensor detects nerve activity and alerts the surgeon of potential nerve damage. The shield's hydrophilic coating reduces friction and prevents nerve adhesion. The comprehensive kit includes the shield, a surgical instrument for application, and instructions for use.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce several non-obvious advancements, including the porous structure, adjustable tabs, built-in sensor, and hydrophilic coating. These features improve the shield's performance, flexibility, and safety, providing a significant inventive step over the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments could include shields with varying porosity levels, different types of sensors, or adjustable tabs with customizable shapes. Variations could also involve different materials for the shield, such as biodegradable or bioabsorbable materials.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced shield has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the field of neck surgery. The target market includes hospitals, surgical centers, and medical device manufacturers. The shield's improved safety features and real-time monitoring capabilities make it an attractive solution for surgeons and patients alike.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61L27/3834 |
| A | A61 | A61L27/54 |
| A | A61 | A61L27/58 |
| A | A61 | A61L2430/22 |
| A | A61 | A61L2430/32 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Surgical medical devices and methods for nerve protection, specifically focusing on intraoperative nerve shielding techniques in neck and head surgeries, with expertise in biomaterials, surgical instrumentation, and protective medical technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or surgical device designer with advanced training in medical device development, biomaterials engineering, and surgical intervention techniques, possessing knowledge of nerve protection strategies and medical device design principles
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations and incremental improvements to the source patent's core concept of nerve shielding. The additional features like porous structure, adjustable tabs, and sensor integration are logical extensions of the original nerve protection methodology that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize surgical nerve protection techniques.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,696 |
|---|---|
| Title | Shield for recurrent laryngeal nerve and associated methods |