Enhanced Extracorporeal Blood Treatment Apparatus with Real-time Temperature and Pressure Control
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This invention improves the original extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus by integrating real-time temperature and pressure control, ensuring safer and more efficient patient treatment.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent's extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus had limitations in maintaining optimal blood temperature and pressure during treatment. This new concept addresses these limitations by incorporating advanced sensors and control systems.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced apparatus features a blood treatment device, a blood warmer, and an extracorporeal blood circuit with a blood withdrawal line and a blood return line. The blood return line includes a heating zone with a temperature sensor and a controller for adjusting the temperature based on the sensed temperature. Additionally, the apparatus includes a pressure sensor and a controller for adjusting the pressure of the blood return line based on the sensed pressure. The system also comprises a flow sensor and a controller for adjusting the flow rate of the blood return line based on the sensed flow rate.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce real-time temperature and pressure control, which is not present in the original patent. This innovation enables more precise and efficient treatment, improving patient safety and outcomes.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments could include integrating the temperature and pressure control systems into a single unit, or using different types of sensors and controllers. Variations could also include adapting the apparatus for use in different medical settings or for treating specific blood disorders.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in hospitals and clinics performing blood treatments. The improved safety and efficiency of the apparatus could lead to increased adoption and market share.
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 control, and medical instrumentation design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with expertise in medical device design, fluid dynamics, thermal control systems, and medical instrumentation, typically holding a master's or doctoral degree with 3-5 years of specialized experience in blood treatment apparatus development
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating real-time temperature, pressure, and flow rate monitoring into an existing extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus represents a predictable engineering enhancement. The source patent establishes a foundational blood treatment system, and the proposed variations represent standard control system improvements that would be immediately apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize patient safety and treatment precision.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,715 |
|---|---|
| Title | Extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus |
| Assignee(s) | Gambro Lundia AB |