Adaptive Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) Systems for Specialized Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept adapts implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) systems for specific, niche markets or unique operational environments, enhancing their functionality and reliability in high-security, disaster relief, extreme weather, remote, or high-altitude settings.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent addressed the need for implantable cardiac defibrillation systems with substernal pacing leads. However, these systems have limitations in specialized environments, such as high-security facilities, disaster relief settings, or extreme weather conditions, where conventional ICD systems may not operate effectively. The inventive concept solves this problem by designing ICD systems tailored to these specific environments, ensuring reliable cardiac defibrillation and pacing in challenging situations.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept encompasses four specialized ICD system variations: (1) a high-security system featuring a substernal pacing lead with secure communication module for encrypting signals, (2) a disaster relief system with a portable defibrillation unit and backup power mode, (3) an extreme weather system with a waterproof coating and low-power mode, and (4) a remote or isolated area system with satellite-based communication and adapted substernal pacing lead. These systems are designed to operate effectively in their respective environments, addressing the limitations of conventional ICD systems.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptation of ICD systems for specific, niche markets or unique operational environments, providing a tailored solution for each environment. The inventive step is the integration of specialized components and features, such as secure communication modules, portable defibrillation units, waterproof coatings, and satellite-based communication systems, which enable reliable cardiac defibrillation and pacing in challenging situations.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include additional specialized features, such as advanced encryption methods, solar-powered ICD systems, or integrated environmental sensors. Variations may also include adapting the ICD systems for use in other specialized environments, such as high-temperature or high-humidity settings.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, disaster relief, and security. The market for specialized ICD systems is expected to grow as the need for reliable cardiac defibrillation and pacing in challenging environments increases. Target industries include high-security facilities, disaster relief organizations, and remote or isolated area healthcare providers.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical Device Engineering, specifically Implantable Cardiac Rhythm Management Systems with a focus on cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) technology and lead design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with advanced degree in electrical or biomedical engineering, specialized knowledge in cardiac medical devices, understanding of implantable electronics, signal processing, and medical device miniaturization techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the PTD's specialized ICD system variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core substernal pacing lead technology. The disclosed environmental adaptations leverage standard engineering design practices of modifying existing medical device platforms for specific use cases. Each variation applies known techniques of signal encryption, power management, and communication protocols to the fundamental ICD system architecture described in the source patent.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,779 |
|---|---|
| Title | Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) system including substernal pacing lead |
| Assignee(s) | Medtronic, Inc. |