Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Enhanced Catheter System Clamp for Occlusion Prevention

Publication ID: 24-11857734_0006_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Catheter System Clamp for Occlusion Prevention,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857734_0006_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857734_0006_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,734.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

An advanced catheter system clamp designed to prevent occlusion by integrating sensors, timers, and automated flushing mechanisms, ensuring safer and more efficient infusion therapies.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Catheter system clamp, systems, and methods,' addresses the need for managing flushing of catheter assemblies to prevent occlusion. However, the existing design has limitations, such as relying on manual flushing and lacking real-time monitoring capabilities. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing advanced features that automate and optimize the flushing process.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced catheter system clamp comprises a pressure sensor to detect occlusion, a timer for automated flushing at predetermined intervals, a mechanical valve to regulate fluid flow, a fluid reservoir for storing flushing fluid, and a sensor to detect blood clots or other occlusions. These features work in tandem to prevent occlusion, reduce the risk of complications, and improve patient outcomes. The clamp's onboard computing system and wireless transmitter enable real-time monitoring and alert clinicians to take corrective action.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel features that significantly improve the original patent's design. The integration of sensors, timers, and automated flushing mechanisms provides a non-obvious solution to the problem of occlusion, offering a substantial improvement over existing catheter systems.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying sensor types, adjustable timer settings, and customizable fluid reservoir capacities. Additionally, the clamp could be designed for use with different types of catheters or infusion therapies, expanding its applicability and versatility.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced catheter system clamp has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the context of infusion therapies. The target market includes hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers seeking to improve patient outcomes and reduce complications associated with catheter occlusion.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61M25/00
A A61 A61M5/14
A A61 A61M39/28
G G16 G16H10/60
A A61 A61M2005/1403
A A61 A61M2025/0019
A A61 A61M2205/18
A A61 A61M2205/3327
A A61 A61M2205/3334
A A61 A61M2205/3584
A A61 A61M2205/581
A A61 A61M2205/582
A A61 A61M2205/583
A A61 A61M2205/587

Field of Art

Medical Device Technology, specifically Intravenous (IV) Catheter Systems and Fluid Management, requiring expertise in medical device design, sensor integration, fluid dynamics, and electronic monitoring systems

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in catheter system design, familiar with electronic monitoring, fluid flow control, and medical device sensor technologies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering solutions to known catheter occlusion problems, utilizing standard sensor and monitoring technologies already established in medical device design. The disclosed improvements represent incremental advancements that would be obvious to implement using known techniques and components. The integration of pressure sensors, wireless transmission, and automated flushing mechanisms are logical extensions of the source patent's fundamental catheter management approach.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Clamp with onboard computing system for managing catheter flushing
PTD Variation
Adding pressure sensor to detect occlusion and wireless transmission for clinician alerts
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of integrating sensors into medical monitoring systems, with predictable result of improved occlusion detection
Source Patent Element
Electronic health record integration for tracking catheter status
PTD Variation
Implementing automated timer for periodic flushing at predetermined intervals
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable solution using standard timing and monitoring technologies to prevent catheter blockage
Source Patent Element
Clamp system with alert mechanisms
PTD Variation
Adding mechanical valve to regulate fluid flow and prevent occlusion
Obviousness Reasoning
Finite set of known valve design solutions for fluid control, representing standard engineering design choice
Source Patent Element
Method for managing catheter flushing
PTD Variation
Incorporating fluid reservoir for storing dedicated flushing solution
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious extension of existing fluid management techniques, using standard medical device component integration
Source Patent Element
Electronic monitoring of catheter assembly
PTD Variation
Implementing blood clot detection sensor with clinician alert system
Obviousness Reasoning
Known medical monitoring technique applying standard sensor technologies to improve patient safety
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857734, the variations disclosed herein would be obvious to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art, as they represent predictable combinations of known medical device monitoring technologies. The incremental improvements in catheter occlusion prevention through sensor integration, automated flushing, and electronic monitoring constitute obvious variations that do not rise to the level of non-obvious innovation under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,734
TitleCatheter system clamp, systems, and methods
Assignee(s)Becton, Dickinson and Company