Light-Deactivated Adhesive Drape with Optical Fiber Mesh
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light-sensitive or light-deactivated adhesive drape systems for tissue treatment, especially in larger areas, require patients to remain in an uncomfortable position for extended periods to facilitate removal, which can be strenuous for caregivers and patients, particularly the elderly or those with traumatic wounds, and may cause skin damage due to strong adhesion.
Innovation Solution
A light-deactivated adhesive drape system incorporating a photosensitive adhesive layer with a release agent and an optical fiber mesh layer, where the adhesive bond is weakened by specific light wavelengths, allowing for trauma-free removal without additional process steps, and a control system to automate the light exposure for efficient deactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a strong adhesive is used to maintain an effective seal during negative pressure wound therapy, then the seal reliability is improved, but the ease of removal deteriorates and skin trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive's bonding properties are made dynamic through light exposure. The adhesive transitions from a high-bond state during therapy to a low-bond state during removal when exposed to specific wavelengths of light, enabling the same adhesive to provide both strong sealing and easy removal
Solution Approach 2:
The bond strength parameter of the adhesive is changed by exposing it to specific wavelengths of light. The adhesive contains photosensitive components that alter its bonding characteristics when irradiated, transforming it from a strong bond state to a weak bond state for trauma-free removal
2Ease of operation
If light-sensitive adhesive is used to enable easy removal, then the ease of removal is improved, but the risk of premature deactivation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A light-blocking film serves as an intermediary protective layer between the environment and the photosensitive adhesive. This film prevents premature exposure to deactivating light wavelengths while allowing controlled activation when needed for removal
Solution Approach 2:
The light-blocking film is applied in advance to protect the photosensitive adhesive from premature deactivation. This preliminary protective action ensures the adhesive remains active and effective throughout the therapy period until removal is intended
3Area of stationary object
If a large area dressing is used to cover larger wound areas, then the coverage area is improved, but the removal time and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical removal process (turning patient, manual peeling) is replaced with an optical activation system. Light sources illuminate the large-area dressing to deactivate the adhesive uniformly across the entire surface, enabling simultaneous removal of all areas without sequential manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive deactivation process is made self-service through automated light exposure systems. The system automatically activates the deactivation mechanism across the entire dressing area without requiring caregiver intervention or patient repositioning, streamlining the removal process
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 easy, pain-free removal of adhesive dressings from larger areas without the need to turn patients, reducing skin trauma and caregiver strain, while maintaining an effective seal to prevent leakage during negative pressure wound therapy.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber mesh layer configured as a light pipe
Implementation Method 2
a photosensitive adhesive layer having at least one release agent disposed within the adhesive layer, wherein the at least one release agent is configured to weaken a bond of the adhesive layer to the tissue upon exposure to at least one of a plurality of light wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a system and method for mitigating premature light deactivation of light deactivated adhesive drapes. One aspect provides a system comprising a drape, a photosensitive adhesive layer, a release agent, and an optical fiber mesh layer configured as a light pipe, where the system is adapted to be coupled to a tissue site and released therefrom upon or after exposure to an external stimulus such as certain wavelengths of light. Another aspect includes a pipe light pipe, as an alternative to the optical fiber mesh layer. The systems may have a removable blocking layer to prevent the photosensitive adhesive from being exposed to deactivation wavelengths prematurely. Another aspect provides a method for application and removal of a drape using the light pipe to transport or route light to the drape to deactivate the photosensitive adhesive layer and promote easy, clean, and less painful removal of the drape.