Collapsible Sheet for Wound Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing negative pressure wound treatment systems require lengthy closure times and may not adequately reapproximate muscular and fascial tissue, leading to incomplete wound closure, and the application of negative pressure can compress wound fillers, slowing the healing process.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible sheet with tessellating cells configured to collapse under negative pressure, which can be used to facilitate wound closure by applying tension to the wound edges and managing fluid absorption, thereby accelerating the healing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If negative pressure is applied to compress wound fillers, then wound fluid can be removed, but the foam is compressed downward and outward against the wound margins, slowing healing and preventing margin joining

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewound fluid removalVSAvoidhealing rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The sheet is divided into multiple cells that can be selectively collapsed. By segmenting the negative pressure application, only specific areas are compressed while others remain expanded to support wound margins, preventing the harmful compression of foam against wound edges while still removing fluid from targeted areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the sheet have different cell collapse states, creating local variations in pressure application. Expanded cells provide support and prevent margin compression, while collapsed cells facilitate fluid removal, allowing simultaneous optimization of both healing support and drainage function in different locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If existing negative pressure treatment systems are used, then wound closure is eventually achieved, but closure times are lengthy and underlying muscular and fascial tissue may not be appropriately reapproximated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewound closure achievementVSAvoidclosure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The expandable cells are pre-positioned over the wound area before negative pressure is applied. This preliminary placement ensures proper alignment and coverage, allowing the cells to be collapsed in a controlled sequence that progressively draws wound edges together while simultaneously reapproximating underlying tissues, accelerating closure without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static dressing to a dynamic structure where cells can be selectively expanded and collapsed. This dynamic adjustment allows the treatment to adapt to wound healing progress, enabling faster closure by actively drawing margins together while maintaining reliable closure through controlled tissue reapproximation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Extent of automation

If a cover is placed over the wound for negative pressure treatment, then negative pressure can be applied, but the cover requires sealing mechanisms and repetitive replacement of wound filler material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenegative pressure applicationVSAvoidsealing and filler replacement system

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sheet performs multiple functions: it provides the barrier necessary for negative pressure application, contains the wound filler material within its cell structure, and eliminates the need for separate sealing mechanisms. The cells themselves serve as both the structural framework and the filler containment system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining automated negative pressure capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The wound filler material is integrated within the cell structure of the sheet itself, merging the filler function with the barrier and structural functions. This combination eliminates the need for separate filler replacement procedures and simplifies the overall system, requiring only the negative pressure source while achieving automated treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 collapsible sheet reduces the need for repetitive wound filler replacement and enhances wound closure by slowly drawing wound edges together, promoting faster tissue remodeling and healing.

Implementation Method 1

application of negative pressure to the site of the wound... application of negative pressure causes the collapsible sheet to collapse... slowly drawing wound edges together

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

managing fluid absorption... removing exudates and other deleterious substances from the wound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240307605A1Collapsible sheet for wound closure and method of use

Publication Date: 2024.09.19 SMITH & NEPHEW PLC

AI summary

Embodiments of a negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system are described. Certain disclosed embodiments facilitate closure of a wound by preferentially exerting a negative pressure on tissue. Some embodiments may utilize a collapsible sheet with a plurality of cells.