Compressed Absorbent Sponge for Endoluminal Wound Drainage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wound drainage systems face challenges in placing and repositioning absorbent sponges in body cavities without overtubes, especially for longer guide lengths, and in maintaining sponge compression to prevent premature unfolding and fluid leakage.

Innovation Solution

An absorbent medical sponge body held in a compressed form by a liquid-impermeable film that can be easily opened and removed, allowing for placement and expansion within a body cavity, with optional lubricants and design features for ease of use and repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If an overtube with embedded metal spiral is used to place the sponge, then the sponge can be placed in the body cavity, but the production cost increases and the device length is limited to about 30 cm

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction costVSAvoidguide length
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the overtube from the system, placing the sponge directly into the body cavity without the need for an overtube. This eliminates the metal spiral component entirely, reducing production costs and removing the 30 cm length limitation associated with overtube manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sponge is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be compressed independently. This segmentation allows the sponge to be placed in a compressed state and then expanded in situ, enabling placement in body cavities of various lengths without being constrained by overtube length limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the sponge is compressed by the overtube for placement, then the sponge can be inserted, but the sponge unfolds immediately after emerging and cannot be repositioned

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplacement capabilityVSAvoidrepositioning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sponge is pre-compressed into a compact form suitable for insertion, and remains in this compressed state during placement. The compression is maintained until the sponge reaches the desired position, at which point it is released and expands. This preliminary compression action enables both easy insertion and the ability to reposition before final expansion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sponge transitions from a static compressed state during insertion to a dynamic expanded state after placement. The compression is not permanent but rather a temporary state that can be maintained during repositioning attempts, and only after successful placement does the sponge permanently expand to its functional form.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the sponge is placed without compression to allow repositioning, then repositioning becomes possible, but fluid leakage occurs and absorption effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepositioning capabilityVSAvoidfluid absorption effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sponge is pre-compressed into a compact, leak-proof form for insertion and repositioning. This compression maintains structural integrity and prevents fluid leakage during the placement process. Only after the sponge is correctly positioned does the compression release, allowing the sponge to expand and begin absorbing fluids effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sponge exhibits dynamic properties, remaining in a compressed, low-permeability state during insertion and repositioning, then transitioning to an expanded, high-absorption state after placement. This dynamic behavior allows the sponge to adapt its properties based on the operational phase, preventing leakage during manipulation while maximizing absorption during therapy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 effective absorption and removal of wound fluids over extended periods with improved placement and repositioning capabilities, reducing the need for overtubes and minimizing fluid leakage, thus enhancing the effectiveness of endoluminal vacuum therapy.

Implementation Method 1

the film holds the absorbent sponge body together in a compressed form

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

absorbent medical sponge body for removing wound fluids from human and/or animal body cavities

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

open-pore sponge for absorbing wound secretions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP2370036B1Absorbent medical body, in particular for removing wound fluids from human and/or animal body cavities
Publication Date: 2014.02.19 AESCULAP AG
  • EP2370036B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2370036B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The present invention relates to an absorbent medical body (10; 20; 30; 40), in particular for removing wound fluids from human and/or animal body cavities, comprising a wrapping (14; 24; 34; 44) for the absorbent body (10; 20; 30; 40), wherein the wrapping holds the absorbent body (10; 20; 30; 40) together in a compressed form.