Elastic Infusion Site Dressing for Scar and Stress Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hypertrophic scars and keloids form as a result of excessive wound healing, often caused by mechanical stress, leading to cosmetic and functional issues, particularly in patients requiring repeated needle insertions or infusions, and affecting insulin absorption and infusion site usability.
Innovation Solution
Devices and methods that manipulate mechanical or physical properties of the skin to reduce or alter stress at the skin site, using tensioning devices to apply controlled strain or shielding to prevent or treat scars and keloids, improve insulin absorption, and stabilize infusion sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If repeated needle insertions or infusions are performed at the same site, then therapeutic treatment is achieved, but scar tissue formation and lipohypertrophy occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies skin tensioning devices before needle insertion to pre-modify the tissue environment. By tensioning the skin and underlying tissue beforehand, the device creates optimal conditions for needle insertion and subsequent therapeutic agent delivery, preventing scar formation before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The skin tensioning device acts as an intermediary between the needle insertion process and the tissue. It modifies the mechanical environment of the tissue, creating a more favorable state for repeated injections by reducing stress concentrations that would otherwise lead to fibrosis and lipohypertrophy
2Object-affected harmful factors
If skin tensioning devices are applied to prevent scar formation, then cosmetic appearance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin, flexible skin tensioning devices that can be applied directly to the skin surface. These devices use elastic materials to provide the necessary tensioning force while maintaining a simple, lightweight structure that does not add significant complexity to the treatment system
Solution Approach 2:
The skin tensioning devices are designed to be self-applied or easily applied by patients themselves. The devices utilize the skin's own elasticity and the mechanical properties of the applied material to generate the required tensioning force, eliminating the need for complex external tensioning mechanisms
3Duration of action of stationary object
If infusion sites are used repeatedly, then treatment duration is extended, but insulin absorption becomes erratic due to lipohypertrophy
Solution Approach 1:
The skin tensioning device is applied before insulin infusion to pre-modify the tissue environment. By tensioning the tissue beforehand, the device prevents the development of lipohypertrophy and maintains consistent tissue characteristics, ensuring reliable insulin absorption over extended periods
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the mechanical parameters of the tissue by applying controlled tension. This modification of tissue stress and strain parameters prevents the pathological changes associated with repeated infusions, maintaining consistent pharmacokinetic properties for insulin absorption
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
Reduces scar formation, enhances insulin absorption, extends infusion set duration, improves insulin dispersion, and stabilizes infusion sites, thereby reducing pain and infection risk.
Implementation Method 1
a strained elastic layer comprising a top surface, a bottom surface and an opening therebetween
Implementation Method 2
an adhesive layer on the bottom surface of the strained elastic layer
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, kits and methods described herein are be used at chronic injection site or in conjunction with an indwelling catheter or cannula. A book-like packaging, applicator and/or tensioning device with an opening and optional indicia to align the catheter or cannula to the opening may be used to apply a dressing to a subject. The packaging, applicator and/or tensioning device may apply and/or maintain a strain in an elastic dressing.