Injection Vector Lateral Slit for Viscoelastic Dispersion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing injection vectors for viscoelastic filler products in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery and cementoplasty treatments face issues with poor distribution and back pressure, leading to agglomeration and inefficient dispersion within tissues.

Innovation Solution

A tubular needle with a lateral slot exit opening, where the slot has a width less than or equal to 0.5 times the internal diameter and a length of up to 4 times the internal diameter, designed to increase pressure and speed of the viscoelastic product for improved dispersion within tissues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional injection vector with a standard opening is used, then the injection process is simple, but the viscoelastic filler material forms a compact mass around the exit orifice, resulting in poor distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution homogeneityVSAvoidopening structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single opening is segmented into multiple openings (2, 3, 4, 5) arranged in a specific pattern. This segmentation allows the viscoelastic filler material to be distributed through multiple exit points simultaneously, preventing compact mass formation and improving homogeneity of distribution in the treated tissue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The openings are positioned asymmetrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the injection vector, with specific openings located at different distances from the distal end. This asymmetric arrangement creates varied flow paths that enhance dispersion and prevent symmetric agglomeration patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Manufacturing precision

If the opening size is reduced to improve distribution, then the filler disperses better, but the back pressure from tissue viscosity increases, hindering expulsion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution homogeneityVSAvoidback pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the total opening area into multiple smaller openings, the back pressure is distributed across multiple exit points rather than concentrated at a single point. This reduces the pressure burden on each individual opening while maintaining overall distribution homogeneity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The openings are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration along the longitudinal axis of the injection vector, with openings at different positions (e.g., first opening at 2mm, second opening at 4mm). This spatial distribution in the longitudinal dimension allows progressive filler expulsion, managing back pressure through staged release.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If a single large opening is used, then the injection process is straightforward, but the viscoelastic filler material follows the path of least resistance around the opening, favoring compact mass movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinjection processVSAvoidfiller distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The injection process remains straightforward despite the multiple openings because the vector design integrates all openings into a single cohesive structure. The segmentation occurs at the opening level, not at the operational level, maintaining ease of use while achieving improved filler distribution through the segmented exit configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution ensures a more homogeneous dispersion of the viscoelastic filler product within tissues, reducing agglomeration and back pressure, thereby enhancing the distribution and effectiveness of the treatment.

Implementation Method 1

designed to increase pressure and speed of the viscoelastic product for improved dispersion within tissues

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2591816B1Carrier for injecting a viscoelastic filling product
Publication Date: 2021.01.13 PERSAT JEAN CHARLES
  • EP2591816B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an injection vector for a viscoelastic or filler product comprising a tubular needle having a tubular inner face with an internal diameter and a tubular outer face defining an external transverse cross-section, a lateral exit opening (11) being provided in the needle near the distal end. According to the invention, the lateral exit opening (11) is a slit extending parallel to a generatrix of the needle, having a substantially constant width, less than or equal to 0.5 times the internal diameter of the needle, and greater than or equal to 0.2 times the internal diameter of the needle, so as to define, within the needle opposite the slit, a compression chamber to ensure the projection of the viscoelastic product through the slit.