Adaptive Extracorporeal Blood Treatment Systems for Niche Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A family of extracorporeal blood treatment systems tailored for specific, high-stakes environments, including high-security facilities, disaster relief scenarios, extreme weather conditions, and areas with limited medical resources.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus with a blood-warming device. However, this design lacks adaptability for unique operational environments. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by introducing specialized variations of the apparatus, ensuring reliable and efficient blood treatment in challenging situations.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new claims describe four distinct embodiments: 1) a high-security system with tamper-evident sensors; 2) a disaster relief method using portable, battery-powered energy sources; 3) a portable apparatus for extreme weather conditions, housed in a waterproof and insulated casing; and 4) a system for areas with limited medical resources, featuring a simplified user interface and automated priming and calibration procedures. Each embodiment leverages the core concept of the original patent while incorporating innovative modifications to address specific niche requirements.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features and combinations that are not obvious from the original patent, such as tamper-evident sensors, portable energy sources, and simplified user interfaces. These inventive steps provide a significant advancement in extracorporeal blood treatment technology, enabling reliable and efficient treatment in previously underserved environments.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments could include integrating advanced sensors for real-time monitoring, incorporating artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance, or designing modular systems for easy transportation and deployment. These variations would further expand the inventive concept's scope and adaptability.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptive extracorporeal blood treatment systems have significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, disaster relief, and military operations. Target markets include high-security facilities, emergency response organizations, and medical providers operating in challenging environments.
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 medical apparatus design, thermal management, fluid handling, and patient safety technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in medical device design, familiar with blood treatment technologies, regulatory standards, and modular medical system engineering
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations on the source patent's core extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus design. The modifications address specific environmental constraints while maintaining the fundamental blood circuit and warming principles. These adaptations represent standard engineering problem-solving techniques applied to a known medical technology framework.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,715 |
|---|---|
| Title | Extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus |
| Assignee(s) | Gambro Lundia AB |