Devices or processes specially adapted to be used to insert or place media into human bodies (e.g., pumps, syringes, atomisers, insufflators, inhalers) and that do so either

Devices or processes specially adapted to be used to place media upon human bodies (e.g., percutaneous devices, radioactive dressings) and that do so either

Devices or processes which are specially adapted to be used to direct, lead, convey, or carry media up to, away from, or within human bodies (e.g., tubes for carrying oxygen, medical pumps, artificial hearts, mechanical blood circulatory assistors, blood oxygenation devices, devices for artificial respiration by treatment with gas or air) and that do so either

Devices or processes specially adapted to be used to remove, eject, or expel media from human bodies (e.g., suction type breast relievers, discharge draining devices for wounds) and that do so

Devices or processes specially adapted to cause or provoke a change in the state of consciousness of humans (e.g., induce sleep, fully awaken) and that do so in a manner other than one which commonly occurs (e.g., falling asleep on a good mattress, physical exhaustion).

Devices or processes specially adapted to increase or decrease the mental activity of humans while awake (e.g., relax, stimulate) and that do so in a manner other than that which commonly occurs (e.g., creating boredom).

Accessories specially adapted for use with at least one of the above devices and that contribute to the effectiveness or safety of the device or its use.

Specially adapted components having structural features limiting them to use with a device of one of the types specified above.

When used with animals

If a device or process is usable for both humans and animals for the same purpose and in the same manner, and it is otherwise proper for this subclass, classification is made only in subclass A61M. Similar devices or processes to those covered by subclass A61M that are usable exclusively for animals, or are used in animals in a different manner or for different purposes than for humans, are classified in subclass A61D.

When used with living or dead human bodies

Patent documents for general-purpose medical devices or processes that are otherwise proper for subclass A61M are classified in subclass A61M when they either disclose only being used on living human bodies or broadly disclose being used on humans. Patent documents for general -purpose medical devices or processes that are otherwise proper for subclass A61M and fully identified as being used on both living and dead human bodies are classified in subclass A61M and subclass A01N or A61B Patent documents for similar devices or processes to those covered by subclass A61M that are specially adapted for use exclusively on dead humans are classified only in subclass A01N or A61B.

Implantable prostheses or artificial organ replacements

With regard to human organs and their parts, the exact distinction between the artificial devices implantable into human bodies that are proper for subclass A61F and those proper for subclass A61M is somewhat imprecise. Therefore, for analogous situations that are not specifically covered by existing groups of these subclasses, the following listings are intended to provide guidance. Subclass A61F provides for the following replacements or substitutes for internal body organs or their parts: artificial hollow or tubular parts of organs (e.g., bladders, tracheae, bronchi, hearts valves and blood vessels, bile ducts), structural supporting or maintaining devices for such parts or their natural equivalents (e.g., stents), artificial eyes, and artificial ears. Subclass A61M provides for the following replacements or substitutes for internal body organs or their parts: artificial hearts, artificial livers, artificial ventilators, artificial pancreas, and artificial kidneys.

When a device or method covered by subclass A61M includes a separating process for body-liquids that utilizes chromatography, and features of general interest related to chromatography are usefully disclosed but not claimed, the features should also be non-obligatorily classified within group B01D 15/08.

The breakdown symbols (i.e. the non "parallel" or non "mirror" symbols) and "orthogonal" symbols are to be used for classifying the invention information (in addition to the invention symbols) in case the invention is insufficiently classified by an invention information symbol. They are also to be used for classifying the additional information. They are stored in the additional information field.

Suction-irrigation devices where the irrigation is described in detail should also be proposed for classification in A61M 3/00.

If gas treatment is described in detail, the documents should also be proposed for classification in A61M 35/00.

Only catheters specially adapted for suction drainage are classified in the relevant subgroups of A61M 1/00; for general aspects of catheters, the documents should also be proposed for classification in A61M 25/00.

In this main group, it is desirable to also allocate the indexing groups A61M 2202/00 - A61M 2250/00.

Apparatus for blood transfusion, for blood collection in view of transfusion and for treatment of collected blood in view of later transfusion

Either collection of blood in amounts interesting for transfusion (taking a sample for diagnosis would not fall under this) or treatment of collected blood in view of later transfusion is required for classification in this group.

Means for controlling the quantity of transfused blood combined with blood container shaking means]

Treatment of blood, after collection from a donor, for the purpose of being conserved.

Treatment of blood for the purpose of being introduced into a patient.

Separating stratified blood components.

Devices for treating pneumothorax (i.e. abnormal collection of gas in the pleural space) and devices for creating and treating a pneumostoma

The traditional cupping glasses, used in cupping therapy where a partial vacuum is created in cups placed on the skin either by means of heat or suction; the group contains also some similar devices which are used as poison extractors

Dialysis systems, artificial kidneys and blood oxygenators where treatment involves a semi-permeable membrane separating blood from dialysate in a dialyser and separating blood from oxygen in an oxygenator

Degasification of dialysates

Intracorporal (e.g. implanted) dialysis systems, artificial kidneys, blood oxygenators.

Sterilisation or cleaning before or after use of the dialysis device, artificial kidneys or blood oxygenators, this can be both the dialysate or the blood side of the device and is not limited to self-cleaning.

Sterilization or cleaning by heat, e.g. by steam

Dialysis systems where means are provided for detecting traces of blood in the dialysate, e.g. to detect the presence of a leak in the membrane

Dialysis systems, artificial kidneys and blood oxygenators which incorporate elements internal to the treatment module where the membrane is located which are moving (e.g. moving membranes)

Only used as an Indexing Code, documents are classified in B01D

contains also other peritoneal treatment, e.g. oxygenation

Reciprocating systems, alternately withdrawing blood from and returning it to the patient, e.g. single-lumen-needle dialysis or single needle systems for haemofiltration, pheresis

Oxygenators without membranes e.g. bubble oxygenators

Combined dialysis (i.e. using dialysate) and haemofiltration (i.e. with considerable amounts of ultrafiltrate requiring substitution).

Fluidic circuits for the preparation of substitution fluids.

The fact that the circuits are fluidic does not exclude that they may be electrically controlled.

Filtering material out of the blood by passing it through a membrane, i.e. haemofiltration, diafiltration, with treatment of the filtrate, e.g. by filtration, dialysis, absorption, chemical treatment, biological treatment, heating

Other treatment of blood in a by-pass of the natural circulatory system, e.g. temperature adaptation, irradiation

Includes all blood circuits (e.g. also for dialysis, haemofiltration), single needle circuits excepted.

Blood level detectors and blood level control.

Degassing devices, buffer reservoirs, drip chambers, blood filters, these devices can be isolated but often some of them are combined in one device

Blood pressure control in the extracorporeal circuit of a blood treatment system and pressure transducers specially adapted therefor

Priming, rinsing before or after use of the extracorporeal blood circuit

Interfaces between the blood circulation of the patient and the extra-corporal blood circuit, e.g. mechanical interfaces such as adapted catheters, needles, cannulas, or electrical interfaces, e.g. electrodes for monitoring proper connection of the patient to the blood circuit

Circuit parts not covered by the preceeding subgroups of group A61M 1/3621 e.g. connectors, sensors and valves

Extra-corporeal blood circuits having means preventing coagulation of the blood, e.g. heparine infusion or anticoagulant coating or a geometrical configuration described as minimizing coagulation

Extra-corporeal blood circuits having means (e.g. chemical, in the blood) preventing coagulation of the blood, which means are thereafter deactivated (e.g. removed or neutralized so as not to compromise the health of the patient)

Extra-corporeal blood circuits whereby the blood is treated by absorption (the absorption of anticoagulants being classified in A61M 1/3675)

Extra-corporeal blood circuits in which the blood is treated by irradiation of any wavelength

Extra-corporeal blood circuits in which the blood is treated by chemical means

As distinction between absorption and chemical treatment is not always clear, the group A61M 1/3679 concerning blood treated by absorption means should be considered.

Hypo-, and hyperthermia devices; not intended for preservation nor for adapting to body temperature, but for treatments with intended irreversible results

Containers for suction drainage, adapted to be used with an external suction source. These containers are either connected permanently or connectable through a port to said external suction source which cannot be reasonably considered as being part of the container.

This group covers containers which are described as being usable in the context of medical suction drainage; they thus can be considered as being part of a suction device. Therefore, there is no contradiction with the definition of A61M 1/00. The containers do not need to be rigid but many of them are. The fluid does not have to pass through the vacuum source, but it can, in some cases. If a container has both external and integrated suction means, it should be classified in both A61M 1/60 and A61M 1/64 (or their relevant subgroups).

Systems for underwater drainage having a chamber functioning as a "water seal", which acts as a one-way valve allowing gas to escape, but not to re-enter, often called two- or three-bottle systems, e.g. for chest cavity drainage.

Containers for suction drainage comprising a bag in a rigid low-pressure chamber, with suction applied to the outside surface of the bag, where the container serves for collecting the aspirated material.

Containers for suction drainage having foreseen means for emptying the container, e.g. means for interrupting suction so that the container can be removed; pulsating suction is not considered as having interruptions in the sense of the present definition.

Containers with integrated suction means, i.e. being capable of applying suction without the use of an external suction source. Examples are: pre-evacuated containers (e.g. Redon-bottles) or containers having an electrical pump integrated into them as a compact device or containers having mechanical means creating suction such as a piston-type member or a flexible member (e.g. a bulb or a spring or bellows or a compressible elastic material such as a foam).

If a container has both integrated and external suction means, it should be classified in both A61M 1/64 and A61M 1/60 (or their relevant subgroups).

Drainage containers incorporating a piston-type member to create suction, e.g. syringes (thus not syringe pumps where the aspirated material is not entering the syringe barrel).

If the focus is clearly on the container, the document should be classified in A61M 1/67; if the focus is clearly on the pump, it should be classified in A61M 1/81 or A61M 1/815; otherwise, it should be classified in both places.

Containers incorporating a flexible member creating suction (thus not bulb or membrane pumps where the aspirated material is not collected inside the pump).

If the focus is clearly on the container, the document should be classified in A61M 1/68; if the focus is clearly on the pump, it should be classified in A61M 1/82; otherwise it should be classified in both places.

Drainage containers not being adapted for subjection to vacuum, e.g. bags.

Gravity drainage systems, i.e. where the drainage is actuated by gravity alone, without a pump.

Suction-drainage systems other than those qualifying as negative pressure wound therapy systems.

A suction drainage system generally has a suction means, a container and a drainage tube. If the focus is on the container, A61M 1/60 or A61M 1/64 or their subgroups should be used. If the focus is on the system, A61M 1/71 or subgroups should be used. If both are described with relevant details, both classifications should be given. If the vacuum source is at the same time the container receiving the drained liquid, then the device is not considered as a system but as a container under A61M 1/64.

Suction control aspects of suction drainage systems.

Intermittent or pulsating suction, whereby interrupting the suction for emptying the container or alternation between suction and irrigation is not considered as falling under the definition of intermittent suction.

Handpieces for suction drainage, these being the proximal part of the suction device which the surgeon holds in his hand to perform suction drainage, e.g. for controlling suction.

Suction-irrigation systems.

Handpieces for suction-irrigation systems, these being the proximal part of the device which the surgeon holds in his hand to perform suction-irrigation e.g. for controlling suction and/or irrigation.

Means for preventing overflow or contamination of the pumping systems.

Filters for solid matter (e.g. blood clots, bone fragments) for use in the context of medical drainage devices other than for dental use.

Suction pumps for medical purposes (except for the groups mentioned as taking precedence) where the pump mechanism is described in detail.

Tube strippers which are tools used for clearing the contents of the tubes.

Drainage tubes and aspiration tips which are related to suction means.

This is a subgroup to the group A61M 1/00; if no suction is involved, then the documents are not for A61M 1/84 either. However, this group is for documents where details of the drainage tubes or aspiration tips are described, even if no details of the suction are given.

Negative pressure wound therapy devices where the dressing part is described in relation to its suction transmission and/or distribution capacities.

Connectors between dressing and drainage tube. A dressing is often connected to an external vacuum source by some kind of connector. This is classified here if it presents specific details, e.g. concerning the particular mechanical configuration of the connection, its releasability, sealing aspects.

Containers used in negative pressure wound therapy.

If the container could be used in applications other than negative pressure wound therapy and is described in some detail it should be also classified in the relevant (sub)groups of A61M 1/60 or A61M 1/64.

Containers used in negative pressure wound therapy with means for detecting level of collected exudate.

If the container could be used in applications other than negative pressure wound therapy and is described in some detail, it should be also classified in the relevant (sub)groups of A61M 1/60 or A61M 1/64.

Containers used in negative pressure wound therapy which are portable on the body of the treated patient, e.g. attached to the body using a belt or straps or attached to the skin using an adhesive.

If the container could be used in applications other than negative pressure wound therapy and is described with some detail, it should be also classified in the relevant (sub)groups of A61M 1/60 or A61M 1/64.

Negative pressure wound therapy devices where there is no external collection container but the wound exudate is being retained inside the dressing itself. This can be achieved e.g. by the dressing comprising a (super)-absorbing material or by providing a compartment of the dressing which serves as a collection chamber.

If suction is created by the dressing itself, the documents should also be classified in the relevant subgroups of A61M 1/64.

Medical syringes used for irrigation, e.g. enemata as well as medical irrigators.

Irrigation systems when combined with suction means classified in A61M 3/00 if the focus of the invention information is on irrigation and in A61M 1/77, A61M 1/92 if the focus is on suction. In both cases an additional classification information in the other field may be given.

The breakdown codes and "orthogonal" indexing codes are to be used for classifying the invention information (in addition to the invention symbols) in case the invention is insufficiently classified by an invention information symbol. They are also to be used for classifying the additional information.

characteristics of the fluid: A61M 3/0204

before use: A61M 3/0208

after use: A61M 3/0212

pressure: A61M 3/0216

volume; flow rate: A61M 3/022

catheter holding devices see A61M 25/02

A61M 3/0279

colostomy with irrigation port see A61F 5/442

A61M 3/0283

This group does not cover devices whose main object is suctioning and which moreover have irrigation means, these are classified in A61M 1/85

A61M 3/0287

spraying on the skin: A61H 9/0028

surgical drapes with drain fluid collection means A61B 2046/236

splash shields for protection of the surgeon: A61B 90/05

glossary: splash shield

A61M 3/06

bidets in general see E03D 9/08

Cassettes for enemata or irrigators forming partially or totally the fluid circuit.

Irrigator cannulas with at least two inner passageways, a first one for irrigating and a second for evacuating.

Infusion devices (infusion by gravity, infusion pumps, infusion needles, flow control etc.), syringes and details therefrom (automatic syringes, ampoules syringes, syringe cartridges, pistons, needles), means for preventing injection of air in body, means for desensitising skin, means for cooling or heating media to be infused, means for controlling depth of insertion.

The classification of "additional information" in the group is mandatory, but only if the additional information has some importance.

For example, the main invention is an infusion pump of the reciprocating piston type (A61M 5/14216), but a regulating valve (A61M 5/16881) is present in the device. If the valve is just mentioned as being a general valve with no specific details given on how the valve relates to the pump, then it is not worth giving a class in the field of valves. On the contrary, if the valve is well described and presents some interesting features that cooperates with features from the pump, then the document should also be classified in the field of regulating valves.

In A61B 8/0891, the blood vessel is analysed for diagnosis purpose using ultrasonic, sonic, or infrasonic waves. All couplings and connectors are classified in A61M 39/00.

A61M 5/007

Delivery of contrast media

A61M 5/14

This subgroup also comprises various accessories for infusing by gravity, like drip chambers or hanging up devices (see relevant sub-classes).

A61M 5/142

Most subdivisions in this subgroup mainly describe the way in which the infusion pump works (peristaltic pump, roller pump, impeller pump…).

Other subdivisions however also relates to the fact that the pump is portable or implantable.

A61M 5/158 and A61M 5/162

These two subgroups contain general information on infusion needles. The details of said needles can be found in A61M 5/32 and A61M 5/34.

A61M 5/165

Blood filters are now found in A61M 1/34 and A61M 1/36.

A61M 5/168

This subgroup contains flow controllers (regulating the flow of media), but also means for sensing or detecting flow anomalies.

A61M 5/178, A61M 5/19, A61M 5/20, A61M 5/24, A61M 5/28 and A61M 5/30

Many different kind of syringes can be found in these sub groups. The automatic syringes (a certain action on a trigger will start the automatic injection of the media, no further action being required from the user) are found in A61M 5/20. A61M 5/24 and A61M 5/28 regroups the ampoules syringes. In A61M 5/24 the syringe bears the needle, in A61M 5/28 the needle is present on the ampoule.

A61M 5/30 relates to syringes for injection by jet action, also know as needleless syringes.

More syringes can also be found in other fields (A61J 1/00-A61J 1/22, A61B 5/14, A61B 17/00-A61B 17/921). A61M 5/31 and A61M 5/315 general details of syringes (caps, constructional features, priming, valves, plugs, filling, etc.) can be found in the subgroup A61M 5/31.

The subgroup A61M 5/315 relates to detail of the piston (construction, blocking means, etc.), but also to dosing mechanisms (gears, electrical parts, axial movements, rotational movements) and other dosing-related subjects (feedback, keeping track of administered doses, etc.).

A61M 5/32

This subgroup deals with details of needles, and especially with ways to protect the user from the needle (needle caps, apparatus for removing or destroying needles, semi- or fully-automatic retractable needles, semi- or fully-automatic needle sleeves for protecting the needle, etc.).

A61M 5/427

In the blood vessel is located prior to an injection (treatment).

A61M 5/44

This subgroup deals with means for cooling or heating the device (pump, syringe, etc.) or the media contained in the device (infusate, medicine, etc.).

A61M 5/50

Often forgotten, this group useful group deals with means for preventing re-use, or also for indicating if the device has already been used or tampered with.

Baths are also classified in A61H 35/00 and A61H 33/00

Sprayers or atomisers of liquid, e.g. medication, water for humidification

Also contains nebulizers.

The "subdivision" Indexing Code symbols (i.e. the non "parallel" Indexing Code symbols) are used for classifying as well the invention information as the additional information. They are stored only in the additional information field". The "orthogonal" Indexing Code symbols are also used.

Devices with positive air pressure.

The positive air pressure be created by any means (i.e., piston, pre-pressurized canister with propellant, etc.)

Electrical heated vaporiser, e.g. devices in which the vapor pressure of the liquid acting in a confined space is used to propel the liquid through an orifice to spray or atomize the liquid.

Heater vaporizes the liquid or acts on liquid in confined space to increase vapour pressure.

Devices with a venturi system, i.e. non pocket size.

Devices with a venturi system, i.e. pocket size.

Devices to inflate a cavity for easy access.

The "subdivision" Indexing Code symbols (i.e. the non "parallel" Indexing Code symbols) are used for classifying as well the invention information as the additional information. They are stored only in the additional information field"

The "orthogonal" Indexing Code symbols are also used.

Devices or processes specially adapted to be used to insert or place media into human bodies by enhancing a naturally occurring method other than oral.

The "subdivision" Indexing Code symbols (i.e. the non "parallel" Indexing Code symbols) are used for classifying as well the invention information as the additional information. They are stored only in the additional information field"

The "orthogonal" Indexing Code symbols are also used.

Inhalators with unit dose with manual feeding, e.g the single dose is inserted manually in the inhaler.

An inhaler/inhalator that accepts a package containing plural dosages of inhalant, e.g. multi-unit dose, with automatic feeding

Inhalators with multi-dose reservoir, i.e. without capsule or blister

Inhalators with spacers

Inhalators having a pressurized container, e.g. Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI). A sufficient structure to generate the spray is part of a package that is introduced into the inhalator and subsequently removed for disposal.

Also bubble jet technology inhalators.

Also eyes drop, aromatherapy devices.

Respirator, ventilator, devices for inflating the lungs

Classification using breakdown symbols and orthogonal symbols (i.e. symbols in the 2000 range) is compulsory.

Also devices for hypoxic delivery of gas, e.g CO2.

Classification using breakdown symbols and orthogonal symbols (i.e. symbols in the 2000 range) is compulsory.

Also ventilation in aerosol form.

Pumps with variable mechanical maximum volume, limited stroke, hand driven, motor driven, otherwise driven.

The devices classified in A61M 16/0075, A61M 16/0078 are often inflatable (mostly in anaesthesia), but are not reinflatable by elasticity.

Pumps in the form of a fan, a turbine.

Tidal-Volume means a precise inspiratory volume, e.g. single stroke piston pump.

Devices with charcoal, active carbon filter

Mainly used for ventilation without respiratory movement, or in case of lung puncture.

Ventilation devices used for anaesthesia.

These devices include in general a closed circuit generally including a CO2 absorber.

Control means including automated or user control having displays with feedback.

Devices having analog or digital calculators, microprocessors, or computers as the calculation means.

Devices calculating characteristics such as resistance, compliance, or comparison against threshold values.

Estimation systems, prediction systems, systems using root square, regression, or correlation techniques, Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) systems.

They are tubes introduced generally through the mouth or the nose of the patient, e.g. endotracheal tubes.

A manifold, a suction inside the tube.

Also combined with drug delivery tube.

Tube introduced through the trachea, e.g. tracheostomy tube.

Example: To enable the patient to speak.

Also plaster therefor

Tools for making an opening.

Also includes holders.

Also hoods, cups

Also mounts for nasal tube.

Strap, headgear.

Between a ventilator and the mask.

To dry the gas.

Connector: the element between the ventilation device and the tube

"Vapours": any substance in the vapour phase.

Mixer for anaesthetics with safety solution.

HME, Heat and Moisture Exchanger, e.g. passive humidifier.

Also for anaesthetic agent.

Gas filtering for medical purpose

The temperature of the gas or the liquid.

Also powder mixing with gas.

Vaporizer for a product such as Halothane, e.g. halogenated ethers.

Anaesthetic-reservoir filling system; contains also level detection system therefor.

System for safely locking a vaporizer to an anaesthesia machine; also for humidifier, bottles, switching system.

Also PEEP(Positive End Expiratory Pressure) valve.

Check valve.

Also tanks

CO2 canister, soda-lime canister

The breakdown symbols (i.e. the non "parallel" or non "mirror" symbols) and "orthogonal" symbols are to be used for classifying the invention information (in addition to the invention symbols) in case the invention is insufficiently classified by an invention information symbol. They are also to be used for classifying the additional information. They are stored in the additional information field. The "subdivision" Indexing Code symbols (i.e. the non "parallel" Indexing Code symbols) are used for classifying as well the invention information as the additional information. They are stored only in the additional information field." The "orthogonal" Indexing Code symbols are also used.

Devices or processes specially adapted to increase or decrease the mental activity of humans while awake (e.g., relax, stimulate) and that do so in a manner other than that which commonly occurs (e.g., creating boredom).

The "subdivision" Indexing Code symbols (i.e. the non "parallel" Indexing Code symbols) are used for classifying as well the invention information as the additional information. They are stored only in the additional information field".The "orthogonal" Indexing Code symbols are also used.

Static features, like structure, shape, mechanical properties and method of making of catheters.

Due to the more general character of the main group A61M 25/00 and its sub groups, there is an overlap with several different sub classes (A61B, A61F, A61N, A61J, A61K, A61L) and main groups, especially with the main groups A61B 17/00 (Surgical instruments, devices or methods), A61B 18/00 (Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body) and A61B 90/00 (Instruments, implements or accessories for surgery or diagnosis not covered) and their sub groups.

The difference should be made by the following (an example is given for surgical uses, but is valid for other uses as well, e.g. catheters for use in stent delivery see A61F 2/95, endoscopes see A61B 1/00, catheters for use as feeding tubes A61J 15/00):

If the technical feature, which appears to be the invention, is disclosed only in relationship with a surgical use, respectively adapted only for surgical use, it should be classified as invention information in the relevant sub group/sub groups of A61B 17/00, A61B 18/00 or A61B 90/00.

If this technical feature appears to add a beneficial contribution to the documentation in A61M 25/00, then classify it as additional information in the relevant sub group/sub groups of A61M 25/00.

If the technical feature, which appears to be the invention, is disclosed in a general way, i.e. only one embodiment relates to a surgical use, or other uses are disclosed equivalently, then it should be classified as invention information into the relevant sub group/sub groups of A61M 25/00.

If this technical feature appears to add a beneficial contribution to the documentation in A61B 17/00, A61B 18/00 or A61B 90/00, then classify it as additional information in the relevant sub group/sub groups of A61B 17/00, A61B 18/00 or A61B 90/00.

In doubt please classify in more sub classes, main groups and/or sub groups, rather than in too less.

Catheters with additional pressure sensors

Sensors at the distal end are only used for pressure measurement

The sensor is at the distal end, i.e. within the body during a measurement.

No details of pressure sensor or pressure measurement

The features "pressure sensor", "pressure measurement" are only additional features of the invention and not the invention itself

Catheters with additional pressure sensors

Sensors are only used for pressure measurement.

The sensor is at the proximal end or outside of the catheter.

No details of pressure sensor or pressure measurement.

In this subgroup the features "pressure sensor", "pressure measurement" are only additional features of the invention and not the invention itself

Catheter system, comprising concentric catheter tubes movable with respect to each other

Systems with two or more tubes/catheters within each other in a concentric way forming one entity

The use of catheters as epidural, peridural, peritoneal and spinal catheters; the terms "epidural, peridural, peritonal, spinal" trigger the classification into this subgroup.

Visible (optical) markers on catheters, tubes or guide wires.

If a process leads to an interesting product, classify as well in the relevant Indexing Code subgroup

All machines that are specifically used for performing these manufacturing processes should be classified here, including large machines. If they are not used specifically for manufacturing catheters, then please see the references in this definition.

General methods for manufacturing and apparatuses for performing such methods are classified in the classes regarding methods, e.g. class B21 (for metal products), B26 (for cutting), B29 (for plastic products). Methods for manufacturing, which are adapted to produce only a certain medical device (e.g. catheter, guidewire) will be classified in the class for the product, e.g. A61 (for medical products). Apparatus for manufacturing a medical device which belong to a certain method for manufacturing will be classified in the same subgroup as the method.

For example, a method and apparatus of manufacturing of a special shaped balloon for the sole use with a balloon catheter (balloon used only for a catheter) will be classified in A61M 25/1029 as invention information. Usually this document should also be considered for B29C 49/00 (blow moulding) in addition.

As another example, a method and apparatus for manufacturing a plastic tube including blow moulding which discloses only casually that catheters can be made with it, will be classified in the relevant subgroup of B29C 49/00 as invention information and will get a classification in A61M 25/1029 as additional information if this method/apparatus could be relevant for a future search in this field.

Also apparatus for manufacturing, which are specifically used for forming the tip of a catheter.

If a process leads to an interesting product, classify as well in the relevant Indexing Code subgroup of A61M 25/0067

Methods or processes of making or manufacturing of catheters or medical or surgical tubes, which have structures made of different materials incorporated into bulk material, e.g. through moulding, or in-between two coatings.

This subgroup covers also apparatus for manufacturing, which are specifically used for embedding structures into catheters.

If a process leads to an interesting product, classify as well in the relevant Indexing Code subgroup A61M 25/005

This group covers as well apparatus for manufacturing, which are specifically used for weakening parts of catheter tubings.

If a process leads to an interesting product, classify as well in the relevant Indexing Code subgroups of A61M 25/0054

This group covers as well apparatus for manufacturing, which are specifically used for connecting a catheter tube to a hub

If a process leads to an interesting product, classify as well in the relevant Indexing Code subgroup A61M 25/0097

This group covers as well apparatus for manufacturing, which are specifically used to make lateral openings in a catheter tube