Flexible Wound Dressing Display for Real-Time Healing Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current negative pressure wound therapy systems lack real-time visualization of the wound site during healing, requiring clinicians to partially remove the dressing for assessment, and do not provide comprehensive monitoring of wound conditions.
Innovation Solution
A negative pressure wound therapy apparatus with integrated sensors and a flexible display on the wound dressing that provides real-time visualization and monitoring of wound parameters such as temperature, pH, oxygen, carbon dioxide, conductivity, lactate, metallomatric proteases, growth factors, optical absorption, and infection, using a flexible organic light emitting diode or e-ink display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional impermeable wound dressing is used to maintain a controlled wound environment, then wound healing is promoted through negative pressure therapy, but real-time visualization of the wound site is prevented requiring dressing removal for assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a flexible display device into the wound dressing that can change its visual appearance to indicate wound conditions. The display shows real-time wound images and sensor data through color and image changes, allowing clinicians to monitor wound healing without removing the dressing. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining the sealed environment needed for healing while providing continuous visual feedback on wound status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual information dimension to the traditional wound dressing by integrating cameras, sensors, and display elements. This transforms the dressing from a passive protective layer into an active monitoring system that provides real-time wound visualization through multiple dimensions including images, temperature maps, pH indicators, and other physiological parameters without compromising the sealed wound environment.
2Loss of information
If the wound dressing is removed or partially removed to assess the wound, then visualization of the wound site is achieved, but the controlled wound environment is disrupted and healing process is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous monitoring of wound conditions through integrated cameras and sensors that operate throughout the entire dressing wear period. The flexible display continuously shows wound images and sensor data, eliminating the need for periodic dressing removal. This maintains the continuous sealed environment required for optimal healing while providing uninterrupted wound assessment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary monitoring system consisting of cameras, sensors, and display elements that mediate between the wound and the clinician. This intermediary allows indirect observation of wound conditions through the sealed dressing, providing real-time information about wound healing without requiring direct visual access that would disrupt the wound environment.
3Loss of information
If multiple sensors are integrated into the wound dressing to monitor wound parameters, then comprehensive wound monitoring is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensors (temperature, pH, humidity, oxygen, carbon dioxide) and a flexible display into a single multi-functional wound dressing system. The display serves multiple purposes by showing wound images, sensor readings, and healing progress simultaneously. This multi-functionality approach consolidates what would otherwise be separate monitoring devices into one integrated unit, reducing overall system complexity while providing comprehensive wound parameter monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple monitoring functions (imaging, temperature sensing, pH sensing, humidity sensing) and the display element into a single integrated flexible dressing component. The sensors and display are merged into the dressing structure itself rather than being separate external devices, creating a unified monitoring system that reduces complexity compared to using multiple separate monitoring devices.
4Loss of information
If a flexible display is integrated into the wound dressing, then real-time wound visualization is provided, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible display device that can be integrated into the thin film structure of the wound dressing. The flexible nature of the display allows it to conform to the dressing geometry and be manufactured using similar flexible substrate techniques. This approach maintains the flexibility and manufacturability of traditional dressings while adding visualization capability, avoiding the need for rigid display components that would complicate manufacturing.
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
Enables continuous monitoring and visualization of wound healing, allowing for timely intervention and improved wound management without disturbing the wound environment.
Implementation Method 1
using a flexible organic light emitting diode or e-ink display
Implementation Method 2
using a flexible organic light emitting diode or e-ink display
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments relate to apparatuses for wound treatment. In certain embodiments, a negative pressure wound therapy apparatus comprises a wound dressing. The wound dressing can include a backing layer configured to cover a wound and be positioned over a skin surface surrounding the wound and a dressing display positioned on or underneath the backing layer and facing away from the skin surface. In some embodiments, the dressing display can be configured to be in electrical communication with one or more sensors configured to be positioned within the wound and a controller configured to capture information about the condition of the wound from the sensors and display the captured information on the dressing display.