Elastic Dressing With Adhesive Regions For Scar Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating scars and keloids, such as surgery, silicone dressings, steroids, and cryotherapy, are ineffective in preventing or ameliorating their formation and often used only after scars are established, failing to address the underlying mechanical stress that contributes to their development.
Innovation Solution
Devices and methods that manipulate mechanical or physical properties of the skin to control stress at the wound site by applying controlled mechanical stress or strain, using elastic dressings with adhesive regions and release mechanisms to reduce or modify tensile or compressive stress, thereby preventing or reducing scar formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional scar treatment methods (surgery, silicone dressings, steroids, cryotherapy) are used, then treatment can be provided after scar formation, but these methods are ineffective in preventing or ameliorating scar formation and do not address underlying mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing stress management interventions immediately after wound injury, before scars fully form. The device applies controlled mechanical stress or strain to the wound site during the critical early healing phases (inflammatory and proliferative stages), preventing the development of hypertrophic scars and keloids rather than treating them after establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using elastic dressings that counteract the excessive tensile stress and mechanical strain that would otherwise promote scar formation. The device pre-applies opposing mechanical forces to neutralize the pathogenic stress before it can trigger hypertrophic scarring or keloid development.
2Reliability
If elastic dressings with adhesive regions are applied to control mechanical stress at the wound site, then scar formation can be prevented or reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing an elastic dressing that simultaneously performs multiple functions: it provides mechanical stress control through its elastic properties, ensures secure attachment through adhesive regions, and enables easy application/removal through release liners. This multi-functional integration reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functional elements into a single integrated dressing structure. The elastic material, adhesive regions, and release liners are combined into one cohesive device that can be applied as a single unit, reducing device complexity while maintaining all necessary functions for stress control and scar prevention.
3Reliability
If controlled mechanical stress or strain is applied to the skin to manipulate the mechanical environment, then wound healing can be improved and scar formation reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the applied stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing an elastic dressing that automatically self-regulates the mechanical stress applied to the wound site. The elastic material's inherent properties (elastic modulus, tensile strength) cause it to naturally exert appropriate counteracting forces in response to wound healing processes and skin movement, eliminating the need for external monitoring or adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by selecting elastic materials with specific mechanical properties (elastic modulus, tensile strength, elongation at break) that automatically adjust the stress/strain applied to the wound. By carefully choosing materials with appropriate parameter ranges, the device provides optimal mechanical control without requiring complex measurement or adjustment systems.
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 solution effectively reduces scar formation by controlling the mechanical environment around wounds, inhibiting cellular apoptosis and excessive matrix production, thereby preventing hypertrophic scars and keloids, and assisting in wound healing by reducing stress and strain on the skin.
Implementation Method 1
The material may have any of a variety of configurations, including a solid, foam, lattice, or woven configuration. The elastic material may be a biocompatible polymer
Implementation Method 2
The adhesive regions may comprise outer borders which are opposite of the inner borders shared with the central non-adhesive region and shared with the outer non-adhesive regions
Data Source
Figure 1A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~3D
AI summary
Devices, kits and methods described herein may be for treatment to skin, including but not limited to wound healing, the treatment, amelioration, and/or prevention of scars or keloids. An applicator and/or tensioning device may be used to apply a dressing to a subject. The applicator and/or tensioning device applies and/or maintains a strain in an elastic dressing, wherein at least some of the strain is out-of-plane or at a non-orthogonal, non- parallel and non-aligned orientation to other strains in the dressing.