Manifold Sleeve System for Bone Tissue Pressure Therapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reduced pressure systems for tissue treatment face challenges in effectively applying and maintaining reduced pressure, particularly in bone tissue sites, which can lead to inefficiencies in healing and tissue growth due to clogging issues and limited accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A reduced-pressure treatment system comprising a manifold and sleeve configuration that allows for easy insertion, removal, and repositioning of the manifold, with features like apertures for fluid delivery and purging, and a flexible sleeve for subcutaneous use, facilitating the application of reduced pressure to bone tissue sites while minimizing disruption and promoting tissue growth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a reduced pressure source is applied to tissue through a porous pad or manifold device, then reduced pressure therapy benefits (tissue migration, blood flow, granulation tissue development) are achieved, but clogging issues occur that reduce system reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidclogging
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the manifold device into multiple segments or channels, each with its own aperture array. This segmentation prevents complete clogging by providing alternative flow paths if one segment becomes blocked, thereby maintaining system reliability while continuing to deliver reduced pressure therapy benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A filter or protective layer is introduced as an intermediary between the tissue site and the manifold apertures. This intermediary layer prevents debris and exudate from directly clogging the apertures while still allowing reduced pressure to be effectively transmitted to the tissue, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable pressure delivery and preventing clogging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the manifold device is fixed in position, then stable reduced pressure application is maintained, but accessibility for insertion, removal, and repositioning is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidposition stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold device incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing it to be easily inserted, removed, and repositioned within the tissue site. The device maintains stability during operation through secure anchoring mechanisms while enabling operational flexibility, thus achieving both ease of operation and position stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The manifold device is designed with a nested structure that allows it to be inserted into or along with the sleeve. This nesting arrangement facilitates easy insertion and removal while maintaining stable positioning once deployed, as the nested components work together to secure the manifold in place while allowing for operational access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the manifold is repeatedly inserted and removed from the sleeve, then accessibility and repositioning are improved, but tissue disruption and damage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepositioning capabilityVSAvoidtissue disruption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to achieve the desired therapeutic effect within a predetermined treatment period, minimizing the need for repeated insertion and removal of the manifold. The preliminary design of the aperture distribution and pressure delivery ensures effective tissue treatment is achieved during the initial placement, reducing subsequent manipulations that could cause tissue disruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sleeve and manifold design incorporates cushioning or protective features that minimize tissue disruption during insertion, removal, and repositioning operations. These beforehand protective measures reduce mechanical stress and trauma to the surrounding tissue while maintaining the ability to reposition the device as needed for optimal therapy delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 system enhances tissue healing by maintaining consistent reduced pressure, reducing clogging, and allowing for repeated use without damaging the tissue site, thereby accelerating bone growth and healing processes.

Implementation Method 1

a reduced pressure source in fluid communication with the delivery conduit and capable of providing reduced pressure through the delivery conduit to the manifold

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReduced pressure: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 2

the sleeve delivers reduced pressure from the manifold to a tissue site through an opening in the sleeve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3590554B1Sleeves, manifolds, and systems for applying reduced pressure to a subcutaneous tissue site
Publication Date: 2023.04.19 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • EP3590554B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3590554B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3590554B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods for applying reduced pressure to subcutaneous tissue site. In one illustrative embodiment, the apparatus includes a sleeve adapted for placement at a subcutaneous tissue site. The sleeve is further adapted to receive a manifold. The sleeve may also have an opening operable to transfer reduced pressure from the manifold to the subcutaneous tissue site. In one embodiment, the apparatus may also include a manifold that is insertable into the sleeve. The manifold may include at least one aperture, and may be operable to deliver reduced pressure to the subcutaneous tissue site via at least one aperture.