Advanced Patient Ventilating and Aspirating System with Reusable and Sterilizable Components
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A next-generation patient ventilating and aspirating system featuring detachable and reusable aspirating assemblies, automatic sterilization, and advanced sensing and filtration capabilities to enhance patient safety and reduce healthcare costs.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a patient ventilating and aspirating system with a catheter tube connector for tracheostomy or endotracheal patient ventilation systems. However, the original system had limitations in terms of sterility, reusability, and bacterial contamination risks. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing reusable and sterilizable components, advanced sensing and filtration capabilities, and micro-robotic cleaning mechanisms to ensure enhanced patient safety and reduced healthcare costs.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The advanced patient ventilating and aspirating system comprises a catheter mount with a detachable and reusable aspirating assembly. The catheter mount is configured to automatically sterilize the aspirating assembly upon detachment using ultraviolet light or ozone gas. The system includes a sensor for detecting the presence of bacteria or viruses and automatically triggers sterilization upon detection. The aspirating assembly features a nanofiltration membrane for removing bacteria and viruses from the aspirated fluid. Additionally, the catheter mount includes a micro-robotic cleaning mechanism for removing biofilm and debris from the aspirating assembly. This system enables enhanced patient safety, reduced healthcare costs, and improved ease of use.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious features such as automatic sterilization, advanced sensing and filtration capabilities, and micro-robotic cleaning mechanisms. These features overcome the limitations of the original patent and provide a paradigm shift in patient ventilating and aspirating systems.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the sterilization method, such as using heat or chemicals, or incorporating additional sensors for detecting other contaminants. The system could also be adapted for use in different medical procedures or with varying types of patient ventilation systems.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The advanced patient ventilating and aspirating system has significant commercial potential in the healthcare industry, particularly in hospitals and clinics. The system's enhanced patient safety features, reduced healthcare costs, and improved ease of use make it an attractive solution for healthcare providers. The target market includes hospitals, clinics, and medical device manufacturers.
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 with catheter and suction tube interfaces, involving biomedical engineering, fluid dynamics, and medical device design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in respiratory support systems, familiar with infection control protocols, sterilization techniques, and modular medical device design principles
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable extensions of existing ventilation system design, leveraging known sterilization and filtration technologies to address inherent limitations in medical device hygiene and reusability. The proposed modifications represent logical incremental improvements using standard engineering techniques available in the medical device field. The variations solve known problems of cross-contamination and device maintenance through straightforward technological adaptations.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,725 |
|---|---|
| Title | Patient ventilating and aspirating system |
| Assignee(s) | Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited |