United States Patent 10,631,746: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 10,631,746, titled "Quantification of absolute blood flow in tissue using fluorescence-mediated photoplethysmography," is a significant innovation in the field of medical diagnostics. This patent, granted to inventors Robert W. Flower and Robert Anthony Stead, introduces a method, apparatus, and kit for measuring blood flow in tissues using advanced photoplethysmography techniques. Here, we delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Context
Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a non-invasive method used to measure changes in blood volume in the microvascular bed of tissue. The invention described in US Patent 10,631,746 enhances traditional PPG by incorporating fluorescence-mediated techniques to quantify absolute blood flow accurately.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of this patent is defined by its claims, which outline the specific aspects of the invention that are protected.
Method Claims
The patent includes method claims that describe the process of measuring blood flow using fluorescence-mediated photoplethysmography. This involves:
- Selecting spectral bands to measure fluorescence emission from a fluorescence agent in the blood.
- Using a modified Beer-Lambert law to relate the fluorescence intensities to the blood volume changes.
- Calculating the instantaneous molar concentration of the fluorescence agent to determine absolute blood flow[4].
Apparatus Claims
The apparatus claims cover the devices and systems used to implement the method. This includes:
- A light source to excite the fluorescence agent.
- A detector to measure the fluorescence emission.
- A processing unit to analyze the data and calculate blood flow parameters[4].
Kit Claims
The kit claims encompass the components necessary for the method and apparatus, including the fluorescence agent, light source, detector, and any other required materials[4].
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The independent claims are the broadest claims in the patent and define the core aspects of the invention. For example, Claim 1 describes the method of measuring absolute blood flow using fluorescence-mediated photoplethysmography, including the selection of spectral bands and the application of the modified Beer-Lambert law[4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow down the scope of the independent claims by adding specific details or limitations. These claims often describe particular embodiments or variations of the invention. For instance, dependent claims might specify the type of fluorescence agent used or the range of spectral bands[4].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art
The patent landscape for US Patent 10,631,746 includes prior art related to photoplethysmography and fluorescence-based diagnostic techniques. The patent acknowledges prior art in the field but distinguishes itself through the innovative use of fluorescence-mediated photoplethysmography to quantify absolute blood flow[4].
International Patent Offices
To understand the global patent landscape, one must search international patent databases. Resources such as the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) provide access to international patent applications and granted patents. This helps in identifying similar inventions or prior art that may exist globally[1].
Related Patents
Other patents related to medical diagnostics and photoplethysmography can provide insights into the competitive landscape. For example, patents related to non-invasive blood flow measurement techniques or advancements in fluorescence-based diagnostics are relevant. These patents can be found using databases like Google Patents, the USPTO Patent Public Search tool, or international patent databases[1][4].
Classification and Categorization
The patent is classified under various categories in the International Patent Classification (IPC) system:
- A61B5/00: Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons.
- A61B5/0059: Using light, e.g., diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence.
- A61B5/0071: Using light, e.g., diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence by measuring fluorescence emission[4].
Legal Status and Expiration
The legal status of the patent is active, but it is crucial to note that the expiration date is based on the patent's filing and grant dates. Typically, U.S. patents expire 20 years from the earliest filing date of the application. However, the exact expiration date should be verified through official sources like the USPTO or the patent document itself[4].
Practical Applications
The invention described in US Patent 10,631,746 has significant practical applications in medical diagnostics, particularly in:
- Clinical Settings: For monitoring blood flow in patients, especially in critical care or during surgical procedures.
- Research: To study microvascular blood flow in various tissues, aiding in the understanding of physiological and pathological processes.
- Medical Devices: The technology can be integrated into various medical devices, enhancing their diagnostic capabilities[4].
Economic and Market Impact
The economic impact of this patent can be substantial, given the potential for improved diagnostic accuracy and the non-invasive nature of the technique. It could lead to:
- Market Expansion: New medical devices and diagnostic tools incorporating this technology.
- Cost Savings: Reduced need for invasive procedures.
- Competitive Advantage: Companies holding this patent could have a competitive edge in the medical diagnostics market[3].
Conclusion
US Patent 10,631,746 represents a significant advancement in medical diagnostics, offering a precise and non-invasive method for measuring blood flow. Understanding the scope, claims, and broader patent landscape is crucial for innovators, researchers, and industry professionals looking to navigate this field.
Key Takeaways
- Innovative Method: The patent introduces a fluorescence-mediated photoplethysmography method for quantifying absolute blood flow.
- Broad Applications: The technology has practical applications in clinical settings, research, and medical device development.
- Global Relevance: The patent landscape includes international databases and related patents that highlight its global significance.
- Economic Impact: The invention could lead to market expansion, cost savings, and a competitive advantage in the medical diagnostics industry.
FAQs
Q1: What is the main innovation of US Patent 10,631,746?
A1: The main innovation is the use of fluorescence-mediated photoplethysmography to quantify absolute blood flow in tissues.
Q2: How does the method described in the patent differ from traditional PPG?
A2: The method uses a modified Beer-Lambert law and fluorescence emission to measure blood flow accurately, distinguishing it from traditional PPG.
Q3: What are the practical applications of this patent?
A3: The applications include clinical settings for patient monitoring, research on microvascular blood flow, and integration into medical devices.
Q4: How can one search for related patents globally?
A4: One can use international patent databases such as the EPO, JPO, and WIPO to search for related patents globally.
Q5: What is the classification of this patent in the IPC system?
A5: The patent is classified under A61B5/00, A61B5/0059, and A61B5/0071 in the IPC system.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Pharmacompass - US Patent 10631746. Retrieved from https://www.pharmacompass.com/us-patent-10631746
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - US10631746B2. Retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/US10631746B2/en
- PubChem - Quantification of absolute blood flow in tissue using fluorescence-mediated photoplethysmography. Retrieved from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/patent/US-12036011-B2
