Modular and Adaptive Fluid Management Systems for Enhanced Surgical Performance
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A novel fluid management system that integrates modular design, real-time pressure sensing, and advanced flow control to optimize surgical procedures, ensuring improved procedural efficacy, efficiency, and safety.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, 'Fluid management systems and methods', addressed the need for fluid management in surgical procedures. However, it had limitations in terms of customization, real-time pressure control, and fluid flow optimization. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a modular design, advanced pressure sensing, and integrated flow control, enabling surgeons to tailor the system to specific procedures and achieve optimal results.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises a modular fluid management system featuring interchangeable components, allowing surgeons to customize the system for specific surgical procedures. The system incorporates an advanced pressure sensing mechanism, which continuously monitors pressure fluctuations and adjusts the system's performance accordingly, ensuring stable and consistent pressure delivery. Additionally, the system features an integrated fluid flow sensor, enabling real-time monitoring and control of fluid flow rates, and optimizing fluid delivery to the surgical site. The system's modular design also enables easy upgrade, replacement, or customization of the system's software and hardware components.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept's modular design, advanced pressure sensing, and integrated flow control features provide a significant improvement over the original patent, enabling real-time optimization of fluid pressure and flow rates, and customization for specific surgical procedures. These advancements are non-obvious and novel compared to the original patent, providing a substantial improvement in surgical performance and efficiency.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the modular design, such as using different materials or geometries for the interchangeable components. Other variations could include the use of different pressure sensing mechanisms, such as capacitive or piezoresistive sensors, or alternative flow control strategies, such as using machine learning algorithms to optimize fluid delivery.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The new inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of endoscopy, laparoscopy, and orthopedic surgery. The system's ability to optimize surgical performance, improve procedural efficacy, and reduce complications could lead to increased adoption and market share. The target market includes hospitals, surgical centers, and medical device manufacturers, with potential for expansion into other medical specialties and applications.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Surgical fluid management systems, encompassing pressure regulation, fluid delivery, and medical device design with expertise in fluid dynamics, pressure control mechanisms, and medical device engineering
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in surgical instrumentation, familiar with pressure regulation techniques, fluid flow control, and modular medical system design
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's modular design and real-time pressure monitoring represent predictable extensions of the source patent's fundamental pressure regulation approach. The core fluid management principles remain consistent, with the PTD introducing incremental improvements that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize surgical fluid systems. The variations represent standard engineering design choices that leverage known techniques for enhancing medical device performance.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,776 |
|---|---|
| Title | Fluid management systems and methods |
| Assignee(s) | Stryker Corporation |