Convertible Tissue Retractor With Removable Perioperative Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical devices are not designed to convert from a perioperative to a post-operative device, limiting their functionality in facilitating both surgical procedures and post-procedure wound healing.

Innovation Solution

A convertible adhesive tissue stabilizer with a perioperative and post-operative portion, where the perioperative portion is removable to convert the device from a perioperative to a post-operative state, allowing for continued adhesion and tissue retention post-surgery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a surgical device is designed for perioperative use only, then it can achieve sterile surgical site preparation, but it cannot facilitate post-operative wound healing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two functional portions: a perioperative portion with adhesive properties for surgical site preparation and a post-operative portion with fabric layers for wound healing. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while enabling the device to transition between surgical and post-operative phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The surgical device is designed to perform multiple functions across different time periods: it provides sterile adhesion and tissue retraction during surgery, then transitions to support wound healing and protect the surgical site post-operatively. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices for each phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the perioperative portion is permanently adhered to the patient, then tissue retraction is maintained, but removal would disturb the post-operative device position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue retraction stabilityVSAvoiddevice removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device separates the perioperative adhesive portion from the post-operative fabric portion, allowing the adhesive layer to be removed without disturbing the fabric layers that remain adhered to the patient. This segmentation enables clean separation of functions during device removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The perioperative adhesive portion is designed to be selectively removed while leaving the post-operative fabric portion in place. This extraction of the temporary adhesive layer preserves the stability of the permanent fabric structure that continues to support wound healing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the device uses high elongation material, then it accommodates tissue movement, but it cannot effectively retract excessive tissue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue movement accommodationVSAvoidtissue retraction force

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses different materials with different elongation properties in different portions: the perioperative portion uses lower elongation material to provide strong retraction force, while the post-operative portion uses higher elongation fabric to accommodate natural tissue movement during healing. Each portion's material properties are optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 seamless conversion from a perioperative to a post-operative device, maintaining tissue retraction and facilitating wound healing without disturbing the post-operative position, with the post-operative portion remaining adhered to the patient for extended periods.

Implementation Method 1

the release liner is removably adhered to the lower surface of at least the post-operative portion by means of an adherent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the lower surface of the top layer is substantially covered with an adhesive (separate from the adherent) to removably secure the top layer to at least the upper surface of the post-operative portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS12402872B2Convertible tissue retractor

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 GSQUARED MEDICAL LLC

AI summary

An adhesive convertible tissue stabilizer is provided which can be applied preoperatively to a patient to retract tissue to facilitate a medical/surgical procedure. As a perioperative device, the convertible device accepts most, if not all, surgical preparations, enabling the creation of a sterile field. At the completion of the procedure, the convertible device is converted from a perioperative device to a post-operative device by removal of a layer of the convertible device.