Bioabsorbable Filament Catheter for Subcutaneous Wound Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reduced pressure treatment systems for tissue sites, such as wound therapy, face challenges in effectively delivering and maintaining reduced pressure while promoting tissue growth and healing, particularly in subcutaneous tissue areas.
Innovation Solution
A reduced pressure treatment system comprising a catheter with a distal end for positioning at a subcutaneous tissue site, a bioabsorbable filament delivered through the catheter to form a filament mass, and a reduced pressure delivery conduit to apply pressure through the filament mass, aided by a guide wire for precise placement and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a porous pad or manifold device is used to apply reduced pressure to tissue, then reduced pressure treatment can be provided to the tissue site, but the system becomes complex and requires external components that may be difficult to position and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reduced pressure application function from external porous pads or manifold devices and integrates it directly into the filament itself. The filament is designed with porous or permeable characteristics that allow reduced pressure to be applied directly at the tissue site without requiring separate pressure distribution components, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The filament serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural scaffold for tissue growth, a conduit for delivering reduced pressure directly to the tissue site, and a vehicle for potential drug or growth factor delivery. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components that would otherwise be required to achieve each of these therapeutic goals
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional wound therapy devices are used, then reduced pressure can be applied to the wound surface, but subcutaneous tissue areas cannot be effectively treated
Solution Approach 1:
The filament is designed as a flexible, thin, biocompatible structure that can be easily inserted into subcutaneous tissue spaces using minimally invasive techniques. Its flexible nature allows it to conform to and distribute reduced pressure throughout irregular subcutaneous cavities and tissue planes that cannot be accessed by rigid or bulky traditional wound therapy devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from treating only surface-level wounds to treating three-dimensional subcutaneous tissue volumes. By delivering the filament directly into subcutaneous spaces, the system extends reduced pressure therapy into the depth dimension, enabling treatment of tissue layers that were previously inaccessible to conventional surface-applied vacuum therapy devices
3Strength
If non-bioabsorbable filaments are used as scaffolds, then structural support for tissue growth is provided, but additional surgical procedures are required to remove the filaments
Solution Approach 1:
The filament material parameters are specifically selected to achieve optimal balance between structural integrity and biodegradation. The bioabsorbable polymers are engineered with controlled degradation rates that match tissue regeneration speeds, providing sufficient mechanical strength during the critical early healing phase while gradually transitioning load-bearing responsibility to the regenerating tissue, ultimately eliminating the need for surgical removal
Solution Approach 2:
The bioabsorbable filament performs self-removal through controlled biodegradation. As the tissue regenerates and gains strength, the filament gradually breaks down and is naturally absorbed and metabolized by the body, eliminating the need for secondary surgical intervention to remove the scaffold. This self-service characteristic streamlines the treatment process and reduces patient burden
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
This system enhances tissue growth by maintaining drainage, increasing blood flow, and inducing microstrain at the tissue site, facilitating faster healing and tissue development without the need for filament removal, as the bioabsorbable filament serves as a scaffold.
Implementation Method 1
a reduced pressure delivery conduit adapted to fluidly communicate with a reduced pressure source and the filament mass to deliver a reduced pressure to the tissue site through the filament mass
Implementation Method 2
a bioabsorbable filament deliverable to the tissue site through a lumen of the catheter such that a filament mass is formed at the tissue site by the bioabsorbable filament
Data Source
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AI summary
A reduced pressure treatment system includes a filament delivery conduit having a distal end positioned at a subcutaneous tissue site of a patient and a proximal end positioned extracorporeal to the patient. A continuous filament is positioned in the filament delivery conduit such that one end of the continuous filament extends from the proximal end of the filament delivery conduit and another end of the continuous filament extends from the distal end of the filament delivery conduit. The continuous filament forms a filament mass adjacent the tissue site. A reduced pressure delivery conduit is adapted to fluidly communicate with a reduced pressure source and the filaments mass to deliver a reduced pressure to the tissue site through the filament mass.