Wound Closure Device With Dissolvable Stabilizing Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing negative pressure wound therapy systems face challenges in efficiently closing large wounds, such as abdominal compartment syndrome wounds, due to incomplete reapproximation of muscular and fascial tissue, and the application of negative pressure can slow healing by compressing wound fillers, leading to prolonged closure times and potential infections.
Innovation Solution
The development of a wound closure device with a stabilizing structure that collapses more horizontally than vertically, incorporating dissolvable portions to prevent collapse and facilitate wound closure, and a suction port for negative pressure application, which can be coated with carboxymethyl cellulose to delay dissolution and control the collapse of the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If negative pressure is applied to the wound and foam filler, then wound fluids are removed and healing is promoted, but atmospheric pressure compresses the foam downward against the wound margins, slowing the healing process and preventing joining of wound margins
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing structure is divided into multiple vertical struts that are spaced apart, creating segments between them. This segmentation allows the structure to resist compression forces more effectively while still permitting the application of negative pressure to the wound bed. The struts act as independent support elements that collectively prevent foam compression without blocking fluid removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing structure introduces a vertical dimension of support that was previously absent. By placing vertical struts that extend from the base toward the surface, the structure resists the downward compression force in the vertical dimension, while still allowing negative pressure to act in the horizontal plane to draw wound margins together.
2Reliability
If existing negative pressure treatment systems are used, then wound closure is eventually achieved, but closure times are lengthy and require repetitive replacement of wound filler material
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing structure is placed in position before the wound healing process begins, establishing immediate support to prevent foam compression and maintain optimal wound conditions from the start. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repetitive filler replacement and maintains consistent healing conditions throughout the treatment period.
Solution Approach 2:
The dissolvable portions of the stabilizing structure automatically dissolve over time as the wound heals, eliminating the need for manual intervention to replace fillers or adjust the system. The structure provides self-sustaining support throughout the healing process, reducing healthcare provider visits and procedural interventions.
3Ease of operation
If the stabilizing structure collapses vertically, then it may facilitate wound closure by bringing margins together, but it compresses the foam and slows the healing process
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing structure is designed with asymmetric collapse characteristics - it is engineered to collapse preferentially in the horizontal plane rather than vertically. The vertical struts are dimensioned and positioned to maintain vertical spacing while allowing horizontal movement, creating an asymmetric response to compression forces that separates margin approximation from foam compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing structure is designed to be dynamic in its response to pressure - it remains rigid in the vertical dimension to prevent foam compression, but allows controlled movement in the horizontal dimension to facilitate wound margin approximation. This dynamic behavior adapts to the healing process while maintaining protective functions.
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
This solution reduces the need for repetitive wound filler replacement, accelerates wound healing by gradually drawing wound edges closer, and minimizes tissue loss, while maintaining tissue integrity and reducing infection risks through controlled wound closure.
Implementation Method 1
a stabilizing structure (6000) comprising a plurality of cells (6004), each cell having a top end, a bottom end, and four sides, and a dissolvable material disposed on an interior face of each cell of the stabilizing structure (6000). The stabilizing structure is configured to collapse more in a horizontal plane parallel to a length and a width of the stabilizing structure than in a vertical plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane. In certain embodiments, the plurality of dissolvable portions prevent the stabilizing structure from collapsing, the stabilizing structure configured to collapse to a collapsed position when not prevented from collapsing.
Implementation Method 2
a suction port configured to supply negative pressure to a wound
Implementation Method 3
The dissolvable portions may comprise a carboxymethyl cellulose
Data Source
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AI summary
A negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system are described. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by preferentially contracting to provide for movement of the tissue. Some embodiments may utilize a stabilizing structure with dissolvable portions.