Contoured Foam Dressing for Breast Incisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) dressings are not adequately designed to treat the unique incision patterns and breast sizes of patients post-mastectomy or breast surgery, often requiring customization and not allowing for visualization of the nipple area.
Innovation Solution
A NPWT system comprising a drape layer, manifold layer, and reduced-pressure interface, with a manifold layer featuring a convex curved design and scoring pattern to conform to breast contours, and an optional wound-interface layer with antimicrobials, allowing for customizable fit and visualization of the nipple.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing adhesive NPWT dressings are used, then one incision can be treated, but the specific incision pattern (inverted T-shape with two perpendicular incisions) cannot be fully addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The dressing is divided into two separate cups (first cup and second cup) that can independently cover different incisions. Each cup can be customized for its specific incision while working together as a unified system, allowing the inverted T-shape incision pattern to be fully addressed without requiring complete customization of a single dressing.
Solution Approach 2:
The dressing system is designed to handle multiple incision types and breast sizes through its two-cup configuration. The same basic dressing structure can accommodate various incision patterns (inverted T-shape, horizontal, vertical) and different breast sizes by adjusting cup selection and configuration, reducing the need for complete customization.
2Volume of stationary object
If a prosthetic device is used in one or both cups for mastectomy patients, then the cup volume can be increased, but the dressing structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A prosthetic device can be placed inside one or both cups of the dressing system. This nesting approach allows the prosthetic to occupy the cup volume space, providing the necessary volume for mastectomy patients while maintaining the simplicity of the overall dressing structure. The prosthetic becomes an optional insert rather than an integrated structural component.
3Loss of information
If existing NPWT dressings are used, then negative pressure can be applied, but visualization of the nipple area is not possible without removing the dressing
Solution Approach 1:
The nipple area is excluded from the coverage area of the dressing cups. By designing the cups to conform to breast contours while leaving the nipple region exposed or accessible, the dressing provides negative pressure therapy to the incisions and surrounding tissue without obscuring the nipple area, eliminating the need for removal to visualize this region.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing NPWT dressings are used, then treatment can proceed, but customization for specific breast sizes and incision patterns is required
Solution Approach 1:
The dressing system allows different cups to be selected and configured based on specific breast sizes and incision patterns. Each cup can be optimized for its local requirements (different sizes, shapes, and configurations) while maintaining a standardized manufacturing process for the cup components themselves, balancing customization needs with manufacturing efficiency.
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 system provides effective negative pressure wound therapy, reduces the risk of complications like seroma and scarring, and allows for customizable pressure application to each breast, while enabling visualization of the wound site without dressing removal.
Implementation Method 1
The drape layer is configured to provide a sealed space over a wound or incision... The drape layer is substantially impermeable to liquid
Implementation Method 2
The drape layer is substantially impermeable to liquid and substantially permeable to vapor
Implementation Method 3
The manifold layer allows for the transmission of negative pressure to a patient's tissue... In some embodiments, the manifold layer is comprised of a hydrophobic foam, such as an open-cell polyurethane foam
Implementation Method 4
the manifold layer is comprised of a hydrophobic foam, such as an open-cell polyurethane foam
Implementation Method 5
The base layer may be (i) configured to secure the drape layer to the manifold layer and, if present, the wound-interface layer, and (ii) configured to secure the dressing to a patient's tissue. The wound-facing side of the base layer includes a hydrocolloid adhesive.
Data Source
AI summary
A negative pressure wound dressing for use with breast incisions. The wound dressing includes a drape layer, a manifold layer, a base layer, and a reduced pressure interface. The drape layer has a first surface and a second, wound-facing, surface. The drape layer is substantially impermeable to liquid and substantially permeable to vapor. The manifold layer has a first surface and a second, wound-facing surface. The manifold layer has a perimeter defined by a first convex curved side surface defining a first lobe, a second convex curved side surface defining a second lobe, and a connecting portion between the first lobe and the second lobe. The base layer is configured to: (i) couple the drape layer to the manifold layer, and (ii) the dressing to a patient's tissue. The reduced pressure interface is integrated with the drape layer.