Enhanced Catheter for Dialysis with Adjustable Fixing Means and Advanced Features
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved catheter for dialysis with adjustable fixing means, advanced sensors, and antimicrobial coatings, enhancing patient safety, comfort, and reducing the risk of complications.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent describes a catheter for dialysis with a fixing means surrounding a tube section. However, the fixing means has limitations in accommodating varying patient anatomy, lacks advanced features for monitoring and minimizing complications, and does not address the risk of infection. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing an adjustable fixing means, a sensor to monitor the catheter's position, and an antimicrobial coating.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced catheter comprises a proximal end for introducing into a blood vessel, a distal end for extracting blood and introducing purified blood, and at least one adjustable fixing means surrounding a tube section. The fixing means can be adjusted to accommodate varying patient anatomy, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. Additionally, the catheter features a sensor to monitor the catheter's position and alert the user of potential complications. The fixing means is also coated with an antimicrobial material to reduce the risk of infection. The catheter's design enables easy repositioning and minimizes tissue damage, promoting healing.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce an adjustable fixing means, a sensor for monitoring the catheter's position, and an antimicrobial coating, which are not present in the original patent. These features provide a significant improvement in patient safety, comfort, and reducing the risk of complications, making the new inventive concept novel and non-obvious.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include different types of sensors, such as pressure or temperature sensors, or various antimicrobial materials. The adjustable fixing means could be implemented using different mechanisms, such as a screw-based or spring-based system. Additionally, the catheter could be designed for use in other medical applications, such as cardiovascular or oncological procedures.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced catheter has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the dialysis and blood purification markets. The advanced features and improved safety profile could lead to increased adoption and market share, with potential applications in hospitals, clinics, and home healthcare settings.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61M25/02 |
| A | A61 | A61M1/3661 |
| A | A61 | A61M2025/0031 |
| A | A61 | A61M2025/028 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical Device Engineering, specifically interventional medical catheters for dialysis and vascular access, requiring expertise in biomedical engineering, materials science, and medical device design with knowledge of vascular anatomy and clinical requirements
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in catheter design, familiar with vascular access techniques, materials compatibility, and infection prevention strategies
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's fundamental catheter design provides a clear technical foundation for incremental improvements in patient safety, positioning, and infection control. The PTD's variations represent predictable engineering solutions addressing known limitations in dialysis catheter technology. These modifications would be considered routine optimization within the standard problem-solving approach of medical device design.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,739 |
|---|---|
| Title | Catheter for dialysis, in particular for long-term application |
| Assignee(s) | Joline GmbH & Co. KG |