Chitosan-Dextran Hydrogel for Adhesion Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing adhesion formation and achieving hemostasis in surgeries are not effective and can be uncomfortable for patients, with some treatments increasing the risk of adhesion formation, particularly in procedures like endoscopic sinus surgery.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogel formed by cross-linking dicarboxy-derivatised chitosan and aldehyde-derivatised dextran polymers, which can be applied to wounds to prevent adhesions and promote hemostasis, is developed. This hydrogel is biodegradable and forms quickly in aqueous solutions, providing a physical barrier to prevent fibrin and blood clot formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If topical hemostatic agents such as thrombin, fibrin, fibrinogen and collagen are used to control bleeding, then hemostasis is achieved, but adhesion formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite hydrogel material comprising cross-linked chitosan and gelatin polymers. This composite structure combines the hemostatic properties of gelatin with the adhesion-preventing properties of chitosan, achieving both hemostasis and adhesion reduction simultaneously without the harmful effects of traditional single-agent approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel acts as an intermediary barrier between tissues. It provides a physical matrix that facilitates hemostasis while preventing direct tissue-to-tissue contact that would lead to adhesion formation, thereby mediating between the conflicting requirements of stopping bleeding and preventing adhesions
2Reliability
If nasal packs are used to control bleeding after endoscopic sinus surgery, then hemostasis is achieved, but patient comfort deteriorates and mucosal trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel forms a flexible, thin film coating on the surgical site that provides hemostasis without the mechanical trauma of rigid nasal packs. This thin film is comfortable for patients, does not require painful removal, and effectively controls bleeding while maintaining patient comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical compression method (nasal packs) with a chemical/biological mechanism (hydrogel formation). The hydrogel achieves hemostasis through its polymeric structure and interaction with blood components rather than mechanical pressure, eliminating the need for uncomfortable pack insertion and removal
3Object-generated harmful factors
If mechanical separation of tissues is performed to reduce adhesion formation, then adhesion risk is reduced, but surgical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel is applied as a preliminary protective layer on tissue surfaces before surgery concludes. This pre-formed barrier prevents adhesions from forming in the first place, eliminating the need for complex mechanical separation procedures during or after surgery and simplifying the overall surgical workflow
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 hydrogel effectively reduces adhesion formation and accelerates wound healing, while also providing rapid hemostasis, as demonstrated in clinical trials, improving surgical outcomes and patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The hydrogel can be made by combining aqueous solutions of two polymers which cross-link to form a polymer network when mixed
Implementation Method 2
providing a physical barrier to prevent fibrin and blood clot formation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a hydrogel suitable for use in wound healing, particularly for reducing post-surgical adhesions. The hydrogel comprises cross-linked derivatives of chitosan and dextran polymers. The hydrogel forms when solutions of the polymers are combined.