Short Summary
The PTAB found all 29 challenged claims unpatentable by a preponderance of evidence. The Board rejected the Patent Owner's argument that the invention was limited to RF neurotomy, adopting Petitioner's broader view of 'thermal ablation systems.'
Detailed Summary
In this final written decision, the PTAB determined that the 29 claimed methods for RF neurotomy using deployable filaments were obvious over prior art references (Racz, Fitz, Lee). The Board found motivation to combine Racz with the teachings of Fitz and Lee, which addressed energy coverage and filament control in thermal ablation systems. Crucially, the Board rejected the Patent Owner's attempt to narrow the scope of the invention solely to RF neurotomy, thereby broadening the field of inquiry and supporting the finding of obviousness under 35 U.S.C. § 103.
Practitioner Note
This case demonstrates the evidentiary and procedural standards applied in patent matters before local courts. Understanding the court's reasoning in Avanos Medical, Inc. vs Stratus Medical, LLC is valuable context for structuring arguments or assessing risk in similar proceedings.
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