Enhanced Blood Flow Assistance Systems
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept discloses novel enhancements to blood flow assistance systems, addressing limitations of existing blood pumps by providing miniaturized, self-cleaning, and modular designs with real-time monitoring capabilities.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a blood flow assist system with an impeller assembly. However, the system had limitations, including a large incision requirement, potential thrombus formation, and lack of real-time monitoring. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a miniaturized pump with a retractable impeller, a self-cleaning mechanism, and real-time monitoring capabilities.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced blood flow assistance system comprises a miniaturized pump with a retractable impeller that can be inserted through a small incision and expanded to a larger diameter within a blood vessel. The system also features a self-cleaning mechanism that reduces thrombus formation and improves overall system efficiency. Additionally, the system includes an integrated sensor for real-time monitoring of blood flow rates, pressure, and oxygen saturation, allowing for optimized pump performance and minimized adverse effects. The system may also comprise interchangeable impeller modules with varying geometries and sizes, enabling customized treatment of patients with different blood flow requirements. Furthermore, the system may include an automated priming mechanism that reduces air entrainment and ensures rapid, safe deployment in emergency situations.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The present inventive concept introduces a novel combination of miniaturization, self-cleaning, and real-time monitoring capabilities, which are not taught by the original patent. The inventive step lies in the integration of these features to provide a more efficient, safer, and more effective blood flow assistance system.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include different impeller geometries, varying sensor configurations, and modular designs with multiple interchangeable components. Variations may also include different materials, sizes, and shapes of the pump and impeller, as well as different deployment methods and automation levels.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced blood flow assistance system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of cardiac assist devices and mechanical circulatory support. The system's miniaturized design, self-cleaning mechanism, and real-time monitoring capabilities make it an attractive solution for hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Cardiac medical devices, specifically mechanical circulatory support systems and blood flow assist technologies, requiring advanced biomedical engineering knowledge, understanding of fluid dynamics, and medical device design principles
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with expertise in cardiovascular medical devices, familiar with minimally invasive surgical techniques, fluid mechanics, and advanced materials engineering, typically holding a PhD or equivalent professional experience in medical device design
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations and incremental improvements to existing blood pump technologies. The disclosed enhancements like miniaturization, self-cleaning mechanisms, and integrated sensors are logical extensions of known blood flow assist system design principles. These variations would be considered obvious modifications that address known limitations in existing cardiac assist devices.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,777 |
|---|---|
| Title | Blood pumps |
| Assignee(s) | Procyrion, Inc. |