Surgical Adhesive Applicator with Flow Restrictor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicators for surgical adhesives lack versatility in effectively closing and sealing wounds, particularly in minimally invasive surgeries like laparoscopic procedures, where a need for controlled and efficient application of adhesives is critical.
Innovation Solution
A deformable cylindrical applicator with a frangible ampoule holder, adhesive-permeable foam, and a flow restrictor, allowing for controlled release and application of surgical adhesive through a pipette tip, enabling precise 'spot welding' of incisions and subsequent sealing with a broader adhesive layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional suture or staple techniques are used to close incisions, then wound closure is achieved, but patient pain is increased and recovery time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical closure systems (sutures and staples) with a chemical adhesive system. The surgical adhesive applicator delivers liquid adhesive that polymerizes to bond skin edges, eliminating the need for mechanical penetration and associated trauma, thereby reducing patient pain and accelerating recovery.
2Ease of operation
If surgical adhesive is applied without controlled release mechanisms, then application is simple, but precision and control of adhesive placement are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator incorporates a flow restrictor with specific aperture dimensions (0.5-2.0mm) to control adhesive flow rate locally at the application point. This allows precise placement of adhesive along the incision line while maintaining ease of operation through the ergonomic squeezable body design.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator uses a deformable squeezable body that allows dynamic control of adhesive release. The user can adjust the squeezing force to control the flow rate of adhesive through the flow restrictor, enabling precise placement while maintaining simplicity of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a versatile applicator is designed to handle multiple wound closure functions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is designed as a universal device that can close incisions of various sizes and types (laparoscopic, cosmetic, surgical) using a single adhesive formulation. The squeezable body with adjustable flow restrictor provides versatility across different application scenarios without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator incorporates a flow restrictor nested within the squeezable body structure. The flow restrictor is integrated into the adhesive delivery path, allowing precise control functionality to be embedded within the simple squeezable design, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Productivity
If adhesive is released without flow restriction, then application speed is increased, but control and precision of adhesive distribution are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restrictor aperture size (0.5-2.0mm) is optimized to balance flow rate and control. This parameter allows sufficient adhesive flow speed for efficient application while maintaining enough viscosity control to prevent runaway flow and ensure precise distribution along the incision line.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient, controlled application of surgical adhesives for incision closure and sealing in minimally invasive surgeries, providing strong bonding without the need for removal, while antimicrobial agents enhance post-surgical infection protection.
Implementation Method 1
The ampoule is formed of a frangible material, which when fractured, releases the surgical adhesive
Implementation Method 2
The applicator further comprises a blunt cylindrical body of a surgical adhesive-permeable foam inserted into the open second end of the receiver. The body of foam serves to absorb and transmit adhesive released from the ampoule
Implementation Method 3
These adhesives are liquid in nature and, upon contact with surface skin proteins and moisture, will polymerize and the resulting polymer bonds strongly to the skin
Implementation Method 4
The second end of the collar has an internal diameter selected to provide a narrowed pathway for the released adhesive to pass when the collar is sealed to the second end of the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
An adhesive applicator for applying medical adhesives, particularly cyanoacrylates, to incisions such as those made during minimally invasive surgery. The applicator employs a pipette tip or similar narrow flow restrictor tip to close the incision and a body of foam to seal the incision. Methods of using the applicator are also disclosed.