Amniotic Membrane Patch With Wet-Activation Adhesive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sealing the amniotic membrane during fetoscopy fail to prevent iatrogenic Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (iPPROM), as existing patches are either too soft or too rigid, and interfere with the natural sliding movement of the membranes, leading to complications such as preterm delivery and fetal death.
Innovation Solution
A patch made from an elastomeric support with a wet-activation adhesive, specifically designed to adhere to the amniotic membrane without obstructing its natural movement, using a formulation of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, and citric acid, and a device for precise placement that ensures the patch is not damaged or distorted during deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid patch is used to seal the amniotic membrane, then sealing strength is improved, but the patch interferes with the natural sliding movement of the membranes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible membrane patch made of elastomeric material that can deform and adapt to the natural sliding movements of the amniotic and chorionic membranes while maintaining sealing strength. The patch is designed as a thin, flexible structure that conforms to the dynamic geometry of the membranes during fetal movement and membrane expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch is designed with dynamic properties allowing it to change shape and flexibility in response to membrane movements. The elastomeric material enables the patch to stretch, deform, and return to its original shape, maintaining continuous contact and adhesion to the membranes throughout their natural sliding motion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a soft patch is used to seal the amniotic membrane, then adaptability to membrane movement is improved, but sealing strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction combining elastomeric base material with integrated adhesive layers. This composite structure provides both the flexibility needed to adapt to membrane movements and the adhesive strength required to maintain effective sealing. The multi-layer composite design allows simultaneous optimization of both softness and bonding strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch utilizes elastomeric material with specific viscoelastic properties that allow it to change its mechanical parameters dynamically. The material can be soft and compliant during membrane sliding while maintaining sufficient tensile strength and adhesive bonding force to prevent membrane rupture.
3Reliability
If adhesive is injected to seal the membrane orifice, then sealing is achieved, but the natural sliding movement between membranes is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of injecting adhesive that would fill and block the membrane orifice, the patent applies a flexible membrane patch that seals the orifice from the outside while leaving the internal membrane sliding interface unchanged. The patch acts as a external barrier that maintains sealing without interfering with the physiological movement between amniotic and chorionic membranes.
4Stability of the object's composition
If an internal mesh is included in the umbrella patch, then structural stability is improved, but elastic behavior and natural reaction to stress movements are prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the rigid internal mesh structure in favor of a continuous flexible elastomeric membrane. This flexible shell structure provides sufficient structural stability through its material properties and geometric design while maintaining the elastic behavior needed to respond naturally to stress movements and deformation during membrane sliding.
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
The patch effectively seals the amniotic membrane, reducing the risk of iPPROM by adapting to the membrane's elastic properties and maintaining its natural function, thereby minimizing complications associated with fetoscopy.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive that is activated in presence of amniotic liquid or a wet environment
Data Source
AI summary
Patch (1) for sealing an amniotic membrane, wherein the patch (1) comprises a support (11) and an adhesive (12) that is activated in presence of amniotic liquid or a wet environment. Device for placing said patch (1) comprising a cannula (2) for inserting said patch (1) in a rolled-up position, said cannula (2) being provided with a handle (3); and a dipstick (4) provided with a pusher (5), said dipstick (4) being inserted inside the cannula (2) in the use position. The patch adheres efficiently on the amniotic membrane, adapts to the elastic properties of this membrane, and by attaching only to the amnion it does not interfere with the natural sliding movements of one membrane against each other, together with the device to ensure that the patch is placed in the proper position without damaging the membrane.