IPC Definitions - January 01, 2012
A61M - Definition
This subclass covers:
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, reading long definitions).
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.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
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 A61Mthat 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
Patent documents for general-purpose medical devices or processes that are otherwise proper for subclass A61Mare classified in subclass A61Mwhen 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 A61Mand fully identified as being used on both living and dead human bodies are classified in subclass A61Mand subclass A01Nor A61B Patent documents for similar devices or processes to those covered by subclass A61Mthat are specially adapted for use exclusively on dead humans are classified only in subclass A01Nor A61B
With regard to human organs and their parts, the exact distinction between the artificial devices implantable into human bodies that are proper for subclass A61Fand those proper for subclass A61Mis 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 A61Fprovides 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 A61Mprovides for the following replacements or substitutes for internal body organs or their parts: artificial hearts, artificial livers, artificial ventilators, artificial pancreas, and artificial kidneys.
References relevant to classification in this subclass
This subclass does not cover:
Applications or methods that use specific materials, compositions, or single compounds for the preservation of human bodies or for the preservation of living parts of human bodies | A01N 1/00 |
Devices or methods for handling cosmetic or toilet substances | A45D |
Surgical introduction or removal of body parts or their substitutes | A61B |
Devices specially adapted for taking blood samples | A61B 5/15 |
Devices specially adapted for vivisection or autopsy | A61B 16/00 |
Devices or methods for introducing solid, liquid, or gaseous remedies or other materials into or onto the bodies of animals | A61D 7/00 |
Prostheses implantable into a human body | A61F 2/02 |
Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form | A61K 9/00 |
Chemical aspects of bandages, dressings, absorbent pads, or other surgical articles placed upon into human body | A61L |
Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents | A61N 1/34 |
Prostheses implantable into human blood vessels | A61F 2/01 |
Means for inserting tampons | A61F 13/26 |
Means for withdrawing tampons | A61F 13/34 |
Absorbent pads having means integral therewith for supplying media to the absorbent material | A61F 13/40 |
Devices for orally administering food or medication | A61J |
Containers for collecting, storing or administering blood, plasma or medical fluids | A61J 1/05 |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Devices worn by patients for reception of urine, faeces, catamenial, or other bodily discharges | A61F 5/44 |
Application swabs | A61F 13/15 |
Devices for receiving spittle | A61J 19/00 |
Special rules of classification
When a device or method covered by subclass A61Mincludes 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.
Main group A61M 36/00 takes precedence over all other main groups of subclass A61M
In this subclass, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:
Media | Solid, liquid, or gaseous substances or devices (e.g., medicine, food, in vivo testing material, catheters) which are either used by or within human bodies for medical or physical purposes, components of or substances naturally within human bodies (e.g., artificial heart, blood, insulin), or bodily discharge or waste created by human bodies or medical processes taking place within human bodies (e.g., urine). |