Force Modulating Deep Skin Staple for Dermis Tension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wound closure methods, such as sutures, staples, and tissue adhesives, often result in scarring due to mechanical forces and tension in the dermis, which can lead to excessive collagen production and fibrosis.
Innovation Solution
The development of a force modulating deep skin staple designed to reduce scarring by mechanically off-loading tension in the dermal layers, specifically the reticular dermis, where fibroblasts produce collagen. This staple features legs with maximal surface area in the dermis to distribute force effectively and minimize insertion hole size at the skin surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional staples are used to close wounds, then wound closure is achieved, but scarring occurs due to mechanical tension in the dermis
Solution Approach 1:
The staple legs are designed with non-uniform cross-sectional areas, featuring a larger surface area at the dermal level and a smaller surface area at the epidermal level. This local variation in geometry allows the staple to distribute mechanical tension primarily in the dermis where scarring occurs, while minimizing disruption to the epidermis. The differentiated local qualities of the staple legs directly address the contradiction by targeting force modulation where it is most needed without compromising overall wound closure effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the staple legs along their length, specifically varying the cross-sectional area from the dermal level to the epidermal level. This parameter change enables the staple to provide optimal force modulation in the dermis while minimizing epidermal damage. By adjusting the physical dimensions of the staple legs at different depths, the invention resolves the contradiction between effective wound closure and scarring prevention
2Ease of operation
If staple legs have large surface area at skin surface, then insertion is easier, but larger holes cause more scarring and infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The staple legs exhibit local quality variation with larger cross-sectional area at the dermal level for effective force modulation and smaller cross-sectional area at the epidermal level for minimal surface disruption. This localized differentiation allows the staple to maintain ease of insertion through the epidermis while minimizing the size of surface holes, thereby reducing infection risk and scarring without compromising the mechanical function in the dermis
3Object-affected harmful factors
If staple legs have small surface area at skin surface, then insertion holes are smaller, but insertion force may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The staple legs feature parameter changes along their length, with cross-sectional area varying from the dermal level to the epidermal level. The larger surface area at the dermal level provides sufficient force distribution and anchoring, while the smaller surface area at the epidermal level minimizes insertion hole size. This gradient in geometric parameters allows the staple to achieve both minimal surface disruption and adequate insertion force through the varying tissue densities
4Productivity
If uniform tension is applied across wound, then closure is straightforward, but excessive tension causes scarring
Solution Approach 1:
The staple legs are designed with non-uniform cross-sectional areas that create localized force distribution patterns. The larger surface area at the dermal level provides concentrated force modulation exactly where scarring occurs, while the smaller epidermal surface area reduces surface tension. This local quality differentiation allows the staple to modulate mechanical forces precisely in the dermis without requiring excessive overall tension, thereby maintaining closure efficiency while preventing scarring
Data Source
AI summary
A wound closure device in the form of a force modulating deep skin staple. The deep skin staple includes a bridge portion extending along a longitudinal axis to support a first set of staple legs and an opposing second set of staple legs. Each staple leg coupled to the bridge portion via a spring arm. Each staple leg angled towards a middle section of the bridge portion. The staple legs designed to modulate forces with a wound down into the reticular dermis layer when applied to the wound.