Compressible Suction Device for Intracompartmental Pressure Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for compartment syndrome, such as emergency fasciotomy, involve invasive and disfiguring procedures, and there is a need for preventive measures to manage intracompartmental pressure effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compressible suction device with a permeable outer layer and a porous open-celled foam core, designed to be placed in muscular compartments to manage pressure through suction, reducing the risk of compartment syndrome by extracting excess fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If emergency fasciotomy is performed to relieve pressure in muscle compartment, then intracompartmental pressure is reduced, but the procedure is invasive and disfiguring
Solution Approach 1:
The device is placed in the muscle compartment before compartment syndrome develops, allowing continuous pressure management. The suction device proactively prevents pressure buildup rather than reactively treating established syndrome, eliminating the need for invasive fasciotomy
Solution Approach 2:
The suction device acts as an intermediary between the muscle compartment and the external environment. It provides a controlled pathway for fluid removal through the outer layer and coupling, avoiding direct surgical intervention while maintaining pressure control
2Stress or pressure
If fasciotomy incisions are made to relieve pressure, then compartment syndrome is treated, but long deep incisions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes a thin outer layer that is permeable to fluids, allowing pressure relief without requiring deep incisions. The flexible outer layer can be placed through minimal openings and maintains compartment integrity while enabling fluid removal
Solution Approach 2:
The device extracts the need for complex surgical incisions by providing an alternative fluid removal pathway through the permeable outer layer and coupling system, eliminating the requirement for long deep fasciotomy incisions
3Stress or pressure
If traditional suction devices are used, then pressure relief is achieved, but they cannot be removed without operating room
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be self-contained with all necessary components integrated, allowing it to be removed and disposed of without requiring surgical intervention. The device serves itself by providing continuous pressure management and can be easily extracted when no longer needed
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 device effectively reduces intracompartmental pressure, minimizing the risk of compartment syndrome, allowing for less invasive procedures and reduced need for emergency surgeries, with the ability to be manufactured and placed during surgical procedures, and removed without requiring an operating room.
Implementation Method 1
The outer layer is at least somewhat permeable to liquids and to cells, either by way of perforations along its length or because of its natural properties
Implementation Method 2
The core is compressible under the range of suction pressures typically applied in medical contexts
Implementation Method 3
suction would be connected to the couplings of the devices
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for controlling intracompartmental pressure in muscle compartments and, potentially, reducing the incidence of compartment syndrome are disclosed. A device according the invention is a thin, elongate member with an outer layer. The device has a proximal end, which has a coupling constructed and adapted to connect with tubing, and a distal end. The outer layer is at least somewhat permeable to liquids and to cells, either by way of perforations along its length or because of its natural properties. Within and encased by the outer layer lies a core, also porous, and typically an open-celled foam. The core is compressible under the range of suction pressures typically applied in medical contexts. A guide wire may initially be present in the device to aid in its placement. Methods for making such devices, especially on an ad hoc basis, are also disclosed.