Extracorporeal Blood Treatment Apparatus for Specialized Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A novel extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus adapted for use in specialized environments, including high-altitude, disaster relief, extreme weather, high-security, and remote or resource-constrained areas.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus with a blood-warming device, but it did not address the unique challenges and requirements of specialized environments. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by providing tailored solutions for specific operational environments, ensuring reliable and effective blood treatment in a wide range of scenarios.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a blood treatment device, a blood warmer, and an extracorporeal blood circuit, with modifications and adaptations for the respective specialized environments. For example, the high-altitude version includes a heating zone adapted to compensate for low ambient temperatures, while the disaster relief version uses a hemofilter adapted for emergency situations and a priming fluid with a viscosity similar to that of blood. The portable apparatus for extreme weather conditions features a compact design, battery-powered blood warmer, and thermally-insulated sections. The high-security version incorporates a tamper-evident section, and the remote or resource-constrained area version uses a dialysis filter adapted for use with a portable water purification system.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious adaptations of the original apparatus for specific operational environments, providing a unique combination of features and functionalities that address the distinct challenges and requirements of each environment.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include variations in the blood treatment device, blood warmer, and extracorporeal blood circuit, as well as different materials, sizes, and configurations to accommodate different environmental conditions and user needs. Additionally, the inventive concept could be integrated with other medical devices or systems to enhance its functionality and versatility.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, disaster relief, and environmental monitoring. The targeted markets include hospitals, emergency services, military organizations, and humanitarian aid providers, among others. The apparatus's adaptability to different environments and scenarios makes it an attractive solution for a wide range of customers.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61M1/369 |
| A | A61 | A61M1/3623 |
| A | A61 | A61M1/3626 |
| A | A61 | A61M1/3627 |
| A | A61 | A61M1/3643 |
| A | A61 | A61M39/28 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/3344 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/36 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering, specifically extracorporeal blood treatment systems, involving complex fluid handling, thermal management, and medical device design for specialized clinical environments
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with expertise in medical device design, fluid dynamics, thermal control systems, and knowledge of medical device adaptation for varied clinical scenarios, typically holding a master's degree or equivalent professional experience
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's fundamental extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus design provides a flexible platform for environmental adaptation. The PTD's variations represent predictable engineering modifications that address specific operational constraints through known techniques of thermal management, circuit design, and component selection. These adaptations demonstrate standard problem-solving approaches within medical device engineering that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,715 |
|---|---|
| Title | Extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus |
| Assignee(s) | Gambro Lundia AB |