Elastic Dressing With Undulating Edges For Scar Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 treat established scars rather than addressing the underlying mechanical stress that contributes to their development.
Innovation Solution
A tissue treatment device that applies controlled mechanical stress or strain to the skin using an elastic dressing with a packaging and applicator system, which reduces tensile or compressive stress at the wound site, thereby regulating the mechanical environment and preventing or reducing scar formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional scar treatment methods (surgery, silicone dressings, steroids, cryotherapy) are used, then established scars can be treated, but they are ineffective in preventing scar formation and do not address the underlying mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using an elastic dressing with undulating edges that pre-compresses the skin before and during wound healing, preventing the mechanical stress that leads to scar formation rather than treating scars after they develop. The dressing is applied in a stretched state to create continuous compressive force on the healing tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the dressing by using an elastic material with specific tensile properties and designing undulating edges with specific geometric parameters (amplitude, wavelength, depth) to optimize the mechanical stress distribution on the skin, transforming the approach from chemical/biological treatments to mechanical parameter control.
2Reliability
If an elastic dressing with undulating edges is used to reduce localized tensile stresses, then scar formation is prevented, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by designing undulating edges with sinusoidal or similar curved patterns instead of straight edges. The curved undulations with specific amplitudes and wavelengths distribute mechanical stress more evenly across the skin, preventing localized tensile stress concentrations that lead to scarring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different geometric features at different locations on the dressing - the undulating edges have varying amplitudes and wavelengths tailored to specific body areas and wound types, optimizing stress distribution locally rather than using a uniform design throughout.
3Reliability
If the elastic sheet is stretched to adhere to skin in a tensile stressed configuration, then mechanical stress is controlled, but the material experiences higher tension forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using an elastic material that can dynamically adjust its tension forces in response to skin movement and wound healing processes. The dressing transitions from a highly stretched state during application to a relaxed state during wear, with the undulating edges providing continuous mechanical feedback and adjustment.
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 device effectively reduces the incidence of hypertrophic scars and keloids by managing mechanical stress, thereby improving wound healing outcomes and preventing excessive scarring.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic sheet may comprise an adhesive region configured to adhere to skin
Implementation Method 2
an elastic sheet, which in turn comprises a planar skin interfacing surface, a first undulating edge, and a second undulating edge
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5C
AI summary
Devices, kits and methods described herein are provided for treatment to skin, including but not limited to wound healing, the treatment, amelioration, and/or prevention of scars or keloids. A book-like packaging, applicator and/or tensioning device can be used to apply a dressing to a subject. The packaging, applicator and/or tensioning device applies and/or maintain a strain in an elastic dressing, and include undulating edge configurations to reduce peak stresses applied to the skin compared to traditional dressing shapes.