Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Enhanced Vascular Access Systems for Improved Patient Safety and Efficiency

Publication ID: 24-11857750_0006_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Vascular Access Systems for Improved Patient Safety and Efficiency,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857750_0006_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857750_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. 11,857,750.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present inventive concept relates to advanced vascular access systems that provide improved safety, efficiency, and convenience for patients undergoing dialysis, thereby enhancing their overall quality of life.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Vascular access systems and methods', disclosed a vascular access system comprising a port and at least one conduit fluidly connected to the port. However, the existing system has limitations, including the risk of infection and the need for frequent device replacement. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing novel features that enhance patient safety, reduce the risk of infection, and improve overall system performance.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced vascular access system comprises a self-sealing port, at least one conduit with a fluid pathway therethrough, and an integrated valve that opens and closes in response to a user's input. The self-sealing port automatically seals when not in use, reducing the risk of infection. The integrated valve allows for controlled access to the vascular system, and the conduit can be configured with a removable valve that can be replaced in case of malfunction or infection. Additionally, the system can be periodically flushed with a sterilizing solution and undergo routine valve maintenance to reduce the risk of infection and improve overall system performance.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The present inventive concept introduces several novel features that distinguish it from the original patent. Specifically, the self-sealing port, integrated valve, and removable valve components provide improved safety, efficiency, and convenience for patients undergoing dialysis. These features are non-obvious and represent a significant advancement over the existing vascular access systems.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the material composition of the self-sealing port, integrating sensors to monitor system performance, or incorporating additional safety features, such as alarms or alerts, to notify users of potential issues.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced vascular access system has significant commercial potential in the global dialysis market, projected to reach $99.2 billion by 2024. The inventive concept's focus on improving patient safety, reducing infection risk, and enhancing overall system performance addresses a critical need in the market, making it an attractive solution for healthcare providers and patients alike.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61M39/0247
A A61 A61M2039/027
A A61 A61M2039/0258
A A61 A61M2205/0266

Field of Art

Medical device engineering, specifically vascular access systems for dialysis and chronic medical treatments, requiring expertise in biomedical engineering, materials science, and medical device design with knowledge of fluid pathway management and implantable medical technologies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degree, 3-5 years professional experience, familiar with vascular access technologies, materials compatibility, infection prevention strategies, and medical device optimization techniques

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations on the source patent's fundamental vascular access system design. The modifications introduce incremental improvements that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to enhance patient safety and device performance. The core structural elements remain consistent, with the variations representing logical extensions of existing medical device design principles.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Port configured to be implanted outside of a target body lumen
PTD Variation
Self-sealing port that automatically seals when not in use
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would find it obvious to incorporate self-sealing mechanisms as a known technique for reducing infection risk, using standard biomedical materials and design principles
Source Patent Element
Conduit with fluid pathway
PTD Variation
Conduit with removable valve for easier maintenance and replacement
Obviousness Reasoning
Modular design of medical devices is a predictable solution for improving device serviceability and reducing overall replacement costs
Source Patent Element
Gateway element potentially using shape memory material
PTD Variation
Integrated valve that opens and closes in response to user input
Obviousness Reasoning
Controlled access mechanisms are a standard design approach in medical device engineering, representing a finite set of predictable solutions for fluid pathway management
Source Patent Element
Vascular access system with conduit
PTD Variation
System configured for periodic flushing and routine maintenance
Obviousness Reasoning
Infection prevention through systematic maintenance is a well-known medical device design strategy that would be obvious to implement
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on a comprehensive analysis of US Patent 11857750 and the corresponding published technical disclosure, the claimed variations represent obvious extensions of prior art that would be readily apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art of medical device design. The incremental improvements in vascular access system configuration, valve design, and maintenance protocols do not rise to the level of non-obvious innovation, and therefore constitute prior art capable of rendering subsequent similar claims obvious under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,750
TitleVascular access systems and methods