Curable Elastomeric Sealant for Wound Dressing Pressure Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wound dressings face challenges in maintaining negative pressure during Topical Negative Pressure (TNP) therapy due to inefficient seals, especially on complex or irregular skin surfaces, leading to reduced therapy effectiveness and increased demand on battery-powered systems.
Innovation Solution
A curable composition comprising alkenyl-group containing polymers and SiH-containing polymers, which, when dispensed around the wound dressing edge, forms an elastomeric seal that cures quickly to maintain negative pressure efficiently on irregular skin topographies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wound dressing is applied to complex or irregular skin surfaces, then the dressing can cover difficult-to-access wound sites, but the seal becomes inefficient leading to negative pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented from the main dressing structure by using a separate liquid sealant composition that is applied independently around the wound site. This allows the sealant to adapt to irregular surfaces without compromising the overall dressing integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealant composition undergoes parameter changes by transitioning from a liquid state (for application and adaptation to irregular surfaces) to a cured elastomeric state (for forming a reliable seal). This phase change enables the sealant to conform to complex topographies while maintaining sealing reliability.
2Reliability
If negative pressure is maintained during TNP therapy, then wound healing effectiveness is improved, but battery-powered systems require frequent battery replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The sealant converts the harmful effect of negative pressure loss into a benefit by actively sealing leaks and maintaining negative pressure. By addressing the root cause of battery drain (inefficient seal), the system extends battery life without compromising therapy effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealant is applied in advance before the dressing is fully activated, creating a pre-established seal that prevents negative pressure loss from the outset. This preliminary sealing action ensures continuous effective therapy without interruptions for battery replacement.
3Reliability
If a strongly adhering adhesive is used on the dressing, then the seal is improved, but skin damage or patient distress occurs during adjustment or removal
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid sealant acts as an intermediary between the dressing and the skin, providing the necessary seal strength without requiring strong adhesives on the dressing itself. This intermediary layer protects the skin from direct contact with strongly adhering materials while still achieving reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealant's adhesion parameters change over time - initially liquid for easy application and skin compatibility, then curing to form a strong seal. This temporal parameter change allows the system to achieve strong sealing without causing skin damage during application or removal.
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 composition provides a durable, fluid-tight seal that maintains negative pressure, reducing the need for frequent battery replacements and allowing for prolonged TNP therapy without distress to the patient, even on complex wound sites.
Implementation Method 1
comprising, apportioned between at least one Part A and at least one Part B: one or more alkenyl-group containing polymers (i), one or more SiH-containing polymers (ii), and a catalyst (iii) for curing by addition of alkenyl-containing polymer (i) to SiH-containing polymer (ii)
Data Source
AI summary
A curable composition for use in wound care comprising, apportioned between at least one Part A and at least one Part B: one or more alkenyl-group containing polymers (i) having at least one alkenyl group or moiety per molecule, one or more SiH-containing polymers (ii) having at least one Si—H unit per molecule; and a catalyst (iii) for curing by addition of alkenyl-containing polymer (i) to SiH-containing polymer (ii), Part A and Part B independently having viscosity at 23° C. in the range 5-300 Pa·s, preferably 10-100 Pa·s, at a shearing rate of 10 s−1, and when combined in one Part having cure time at 23° C. in the range from 0.5 min to 25 min, wherein when dispensed into a location about a wound dressing, said wound dressing overlying a wound site and skin thereabout, said dispensing being so as to intimately contact and overlie an edge of said dressing and skin about said edge, the composition cures in contact with said edge and skin at 32° C. to an elastomer exhibiting zero or low tack at a time in the range from 0.5 to less than 30 minutes, apparatus for use with said composition comprising dispensing apparatus or wound dressing, a kit comprising the same, and methods of dispensing and curing the same and of using the same in sealing a wound dressing and in treating a wound site of a human in need thereof.