Enhanced Patient Ventilating and Aspirating System with Advanced Safety Features
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This invention relates to an improved patient ventilating and aspirating system that enhances patient safety and convenience through innovative features such as a releasable locking mechanism, collapsible catheter tube connectors, built-in humidifiers, and blockage detection sensors.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent for a patient ventilating and aspirating system has several limitations, including the risk of catheter tube kinking, inadequate humidification, and potential blockages. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing novel features that improve patient safety, convenience, and overall ventilation experience.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced system comprises a catheter mount with a releasable locking feature, an aspirating assembly with a suction tube that passes through a piercing member without contacting the seal, a collapsible and flexible plastic envelope to prevent kinking of the catheter tube, a built-in humidifier to provide humidified gases to the patient's airways, and a sensor to detect blockages in the catheter tube connected to an alarm system. These features ensure a safer and more efficient ventilation experience for patients.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces novel features that are not present in the original patent, including the releasable locking mechanism, collapsible catheter tube connectors, built-in humidifiers, and blockage detection sensors. These features provide a significant improvement in patient safety and convenience, making the new inventive concept non-obvious and novel compared to the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include different types of locking mechanisms, varying designs for the collapsible catheter tube connectors, and alternative humidification methods. Additionally, the blockage detection sensor could be replaced with other types of sensors, such as pressure sensors or flow sensors, to detect potential blockages.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced patient ventilating and aspirating system has significant commercial potential in the medical industry, particularly in hospitals and healthcare facilities. The system's advanced safety features and improved convenience make it an attractive solution for medical professionals and patients alike.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61M16/0463 |
| A | A61 | A61M16/0465 |
| A | A61 | A61M16/08 |
| A | A61 | A61M16/0816 |
| A | A61 | A61M16/0833 |
| A | A61 | A61M16/0875 |
| A | A61 | A61M16/109 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering, specifically respiratory and ventilation systems, focusing on catheter tube connectors, patient interface devices, and respiratory support technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in respiratory support systems, familiar with mechanical coupling mechanisms, fluid transfer technologies, and patient safety design principles
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's fundamental catheter tube connector design. The disclosed enhancements like collapsible connectors, built-in humidifiers, and blockage detection sensors are logical extensions of existing medical device design principles. These modifications address known limitations in patient ventilation systems through standard engineering problem-solving approaches.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,725 |
|---|---|
| Title | Patient ventilating and aspirating system |
| Assignee(s) | Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited |