Micro-Slit Tissue Expansion for Scar Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tissue expansion methods, such as subcutaneous implantation of saline-filled balloons and tissue grafts, often result in noticeable scars and prolonged healing times, making them unsuitable for cosmetic and functional tissue expansion.

Innovation Solution

The method involves forming a plurality of micro-slits in the tissue, with each slit being less than 2 mm in length and widening to form small lens-shaped gaps upon tissue expansion. These micro-slits are designed to facilitate rapid regrowth and filling of gaps with adjacent functional tissue, reducing the likelihood of scar formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional tissue expansion methods (saline-filled balloons, tissue grafts) are used, then tissue expansion is achieved, but noticeable scars and prolonged healing times occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue expansion effectivenessVSAvoidscar formation and healing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tissue expansion process is segmented into multiple controlled phases using a programmable pump system that delivers expandable material in staged increments rather than single large-volume injections, reducing tissue damage and scar formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameters of tissue expansion by using adjustable expansion rates, volumes, and pressures through a programmable pump system, allowing optimization of expansion parameters to minimize scarring while maintaining expansion effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If meshed grafts are used for expansion, then larger area coverage is achieved, but chain-link fence appearance and aesthetic disfigurement occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue coverage areaVSAvoidaesthetic disfigurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses programmable expansion parameters to control the size, shape, and distribution of expansion zones, creating natural-looking tissue contours rather than the uniform meshed pattern that causes aesthetic disfigurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If full-thickness graft meshing is performed, then tissue expansion is achieved, but deep lens-shaped holes and extended healing times occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue expansion volumeVSAvoidhealing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The expansion process is divided into multiple small-volume staged injections rather than single large-volume expansion, allowing progressive tissue adaptation and reducing the formation of deep holes that require extended healing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary expansion assessments and adjusts subsequent expansion steps based on tissue response, preventing over-expansion that would create deep holes requiring prolonged healing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12285210B2Method and apparatus for tissue expansion

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORP

AI summary

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for facilitating stretching of a biological tissue by forming a plurality of micro-slits in the tissue. Each micro-slit can be less than about 2 mm or less than about 1.5 mm long, or even less than about 1 mm, such that small gaps that can heal quickly can be formed when the tissue is stretched. The micro-slits can be formed using a plurality of cutting arrangements or an ablative laser. The micro-slits can be formed in various patterns, including staggered rows, circular or spiral patterns, or random patterns.