Stabilizing Structure With Hexagonal Cells For Negative Pressure Wound Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing negative pressure wound therapy systems require lengthy closure times for large wounds and may not adequately reapproximate muscular and fascial tissue, leading to incomplete wound closure and potential secondary infections.
Innovation Solution
The use of a stabilizing structure with a specific configuration, including a length and width greater than its height, and comprising a plurality of cells that collapse more in the horizontal plane than in the z-direction upon application of negative pressure, facilitating wound closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing negative pressure treatment systems are used for wound closure, then wound fluids can be removed, but closure times are lengthy and tissue reapproximation is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing structure is divided into multiple cells (e.g., hexagonal cells) that can independently collapse under negative pressure. This segmentation allows the structure to progressively reduce volume and pull wound margins together more effectively, accelerating closure while maintaining structural integrity throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing structure transitions from a rigid, expanded state to a collapsed state under negative pressure. This dynamic transformation allows the structure to actively pull wound margins together during therapy, significantly improving the wound closure rate compared to static fillers.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If foam or wound fillers are inserted into the wound and negative pressure is applied, then wound fluids are removed, but atmospheric pressure compresses the foam downward against wound margins, slowing healing
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing structure employs asymmetric cell designs (e.g., hexagonal cells with specific wall thicknesses and configurations) that are engineered to collapse preferentially in the horizontal plane rather than vertically. This asymmetric collapse pattern prevents downward compression of wound margins while maintaining effective negative pressure therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing structure redirects the collapse mechanism from the vertical dimension (z-direction) to the horizontal dimension (x-y plane). By designing cells that collapse laterally rather than vertically, the structure avoids compressing wound margins against atmospheric pressure while still achieving effective volume reduction and wound margin approximation.
3Ease of operation
If the stabilizing structure is designed to collapse more in the horizontal plane than in the z-direction, then wound margin approximation is improved, but structural configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing structure utilizes hexagonal cellular geometry, which provides inherent structural stability while enabling controlled collapse. The hexagonal shape allows uniform distribution of negative pressure forces and predictable collapse patterns in the horizontal plane, achieving effective wound margin approximation without requiring overly complex structural designs.
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
This approach reduces the need for repetitive replacement of wound filler material and advances the rate of healing by promoting effective wound closure and minimizing the risk of secondary infections.
Implementation Method 1
upon application of negative pressure to the wound when the stabilizing structure is inserted into the wound, the stabilizing structure collapses more in the horizontal plane than in the z-direction
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system are described. Some embodiments may utilize a stabilizing structure with a plurality of cells arranged side-by-side in a staggered fashion, wherein at least one of the cells has a hexagon shape, for example a concave-hexagon shape or a convex-hexagon shape.