United States Patent 9,421,280: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 9,421,280, titled "Real time imaging during solid organ transplant," is a significant innovation in the field of medical diagnostics and surgical procedures. This patent, granted in 2016, addresses a critical need in organ transplantation by providing a method for real-time imaging to determine the patency of donor organs and their associated vessels.
Background and Context
Organ transplantation is a complex and delicate procedure that requires precise assessment of the donor organ's viability and the patency of its vascular system. Traditional methods often rely on post-operative evaluations, which can be too late to address any issues that may arise during the transplant. The invention described in this patent aims to fill this gap by enabling real-time imaging during the transplant process[1].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by its claims, which outline the specific aspects of the invention that are protected. Here are the key elements:
Method of Determining Patency
The patent describes a method of determining the patency of a donor organ or at least one vessel to a donor organ. This involves administering a fluorescent dye to the donor subject and using imaging techniques, such as laser-induced fluorescence, to visualize the vascular system in real time[1].
Use of Fluorescent Dye
The invention utilizes a fluorescent dye, such as indocyanine green, which is commonly used in diagnostic tests to evaluate organ function and blood flow. This dye is administered to the donor subject, allowing for the visualization of the vascular system under fluorescence imaging[1][4].
Real-Time Imaging
The real-time imaging aspect is crucial as it enables surgeons to assess the patency of the vessels and the organ's viability during the transplant procedure. This immediate feedback can significantly improve the success rate of transplants by allowing for prompt adjustments or interventions if necessary[1].
Claims of the Patent
The claims of the patent are the legal boundaries that define what is protected under the patent. Here are some key claims:
Independent Claims
The patent includes independent claims that describe the core aspects of the invention. These claims typically outline the method of administering the fluorescent dye, the use of imaging techniques, and the real-time visualization of the vascular system[1].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims build upon the independent claims and provide additional details or variations of the method. These might include specific types of fluorescent dyes, different imaging modalities, or additional steps in the procedure[1].
Patent Landscape
The patent landscape surrounding US 9,421,280 is complex and involves several related patents and technologies.
Related Patents
Other patents related to real-time imaging and diagnostic agents, such as those involving indocyanine green, are part of the broader patent landscape. For example, patents like US 7881777 and US 8647605, also related to diagnostic agents and imaging, highlight the ongoing innovation in this field[4].
Patent Scope Metrics
Research on patent scope, such as the metrics discussed in the paper "Patent Claims and Patent Scope," can provide insights into how the scope of this patent compares to others. Metrics like independent claim length and independent claim count can help in understanding the breadth and specificity of the patent claims[3].
Economic and Practical Impact
The economic and practical impact of this patent is significant:
Improved Transplant Success Rates
Real-time imaging during organ transplantation can lead to better outcomes by allowing surgeons to make immediate adjustments, thereby improving the success rates of transplants.
Reduced Complications
Early detection of vascular issues can reduce post-operative complications, leading to better patient care and reduced healthcare costs.
Innovation in Medical Diagnostics
This patent contributes to the advancement of medical diagnostics, encouraging further innovation in real-time imaging technologies and their applications in surgical procedures.
Legal and Regulatory Aspects
The legal and regulatory framework surrounding this patent is governed by the USPTO's rules and procedures.
Patent Application and Examination Process
The patent application process involves a detailed description of the invention, claims, and drawings. The examination process ensures that the patent meets the criteria of novelty, non-obviousness, and utility[5].
Patent Maintenance and Enforcement
After the patent is granted, maintenance fees must be paid to keep the patent in force. Enforcement of the patent involves legal actions against any infringers, with the scope of protection defined by the claims[5].
Key Takeaways
- Real-Time Imaging: The patent enables real-time imaging during organ transplantation using fluorescent dyes.
- Improved Outcomes: This technology can improve transplant success rates and reduce complications.
- Patent Scope: The claims define the method of administering the dye and using imaging techniques.
- Economic Impact: Better patient care and reduced healthcare costs are potential economic benefits.
- Legal Framework: The patent is governed by USPTO rules and procedures, with ongoing maintenance and enforcement requirements.
FAQs
What is the main purpose of the US 9,421,280 patent?
The main purpose of the US 9,421,280 patent is to provide a method for real-time imaging during solid organ transplantation to determine the patency of donor organs and their associated vessels.
What type of dye is used in this method?
The method uses a fluorescent dye, such as indocyanine green, to visualize the vascular system under fluorescence imaging.
How does real-time imaging improve transplant outcomes?
Real-time imaging allows surgeons to assess the patency of the vessels and the organ's viability during the transplant procedure, enabling immediate adjustments or interventions if necessary.
What are the key claims of this patent?
The key claims include the method of administering the fluorescent dye and the use of imaging techniques for real-time visualization of the vascular system.
How does this patent fit into the broader patent landscape?
This patent is part of a larger landscape of patents related to diagnostic agents and real-time imaging technologies, contributing to ongoing innovation in medical diagnostics and surgical procedures.
