Hydrated Tissue Graft Packaging Using Moisture Barrier Tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical implant packaging systems for hydrated tissue grafts often require rehydration steps at the surgical site and may not maintain the graft in a hydrated state effectively during storage and transportation, necessitating refrigeration or cryopreservation.
Innovation Solution
A packaging assembly comprising an outer transparent tray, an inner moisture-barrier tray, and a retainer that maintains the hydrated tissue graft in a hydrated state without immersion in fluid, using transparent materials like PETG and cyclo olefin polymer to provide visibility and moisture barrier properties, allowing for room temperature storage and simplified surgical preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional packaging systems are used for hydrated tissue grafts, then the grafts can be stored and transported, but they require rehydration steps at the surgical site and may not maintain the graft in a hydrated state effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is divided into an inner tray that directly contacts the graft and an outer tray that provides structural support. The inner tray is made from a moisture barrier material that specifically prevents water loss, while the outer tray provides mechanical protection. This segmentation allows the inner tray to focus on maintaining hydration without needing to provide full structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The moisture barrier material acts as an intermediary between the graft and the external environment. This material selectively prevents water vapor transmission while allowing the graft to remain in contact with its hydration medium, effectively blocking the pathway for moisture loss without requiring direct intervention.
2Reliability
If refrigeration or cryopreservation is used to maintain graft hydration, then the grafts can be stored effectively, but the storage and transportation requirements become more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the critical parameter from temperature control to moisture barrier control. Instead of requiring refrigeration (temperature parameter), the system uses a moisture barrier material that prevents water loss through the packaging. This parameter change allows storage at room temperature while maintaining graft hydration, eliminating the need for complex cold chain logistics.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging system uses a disposable moisture barrier tray that is discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for expensive, reusable refrigeration equipment and complex storage infrastructure. The low-cost, single-use nature of the packaging makes the system economically viable without requiring ongoing refrigeration costs.
3Illumination intensity
If transparent materials are used for the tray, then visibility of the graft is improved, but the moisture barrier properties may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The inner tray is constructed from a composite material that combines transparency with moisture barrier properties. This allows the tray to simultaneously provide visual inspection capability and prevent water vapor transmission. The composite nature of the material resolves the conflict between optical clarity and barrier performance that would exist with conventional transparent materials alone.
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 packaging assembly ensures that hydrated tissue grafts remain in a usable state upon delivery, eliminating the need for rehydration steps and reducing storage requirements, while maintaining sterility and moisture barrier integrity throughout the supply chain.
Implementation Method 1
an inner tray having a second cavity, an inner lid made from a moisture barrier material and correspondingly-dimensioned with the inner tray, and a retainer. The inner tray is dimensioned to fit within the first cavity of the outer tray and formed from a second transparent material that is a moisture barrier
Data Source
AI summary
A medical implant packaging assembly having an outer tray, an inner tray and a retainer. An implant which may include a hydrated tissue graft may be positioned within the packaging assembly. The inner tray is formed from a moisture barrier material whereby the implant may be maintained in a hydrated state, even if the implant is not immersed in fluid within the packaging assembly, thereby avoiding need for rehydrating steps that are required for dehydrated and/or cryopreserved implants prior to or during surgery. The outer tray and inner tray and a retainer are also made of transparent materials, enabling medical personnel to view the implant through these packaging components prior to and during surgery.