Microcannula Wound Closure Patch for Exudate Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wound closure systems face challenges in effectively managing exudate accumulation and maintaining a protective environment for wound healing, particularly in dynamic body parts like knees, wrists, or elbows, where conventional systems may not provide adequate sealing and exudate removal.
Innovation Solution
A wound closure system incorporating a textile mesh with a pressure-sensitive adhesive and a silicone-based topical skin adhesive that forms an elastomeric barrier, combined with a suction distribution member and wound closure patch featuring microcannulaic pathways, allowing for exudate removal and optional delivery of therapeutic agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional adhesive strips or steri-strips are used to close wounds, then the wound edges can be approximated, but the method is time-consuming and labor-intensive requiring precise alignment and manual application
Solution Approach 1:
The wound closure system divides the wound area into multiple discrete adhesive elements (wound closure elements) spaced along the wound bed. Each element can be independently applied, allowing parallel processing and faster application compared to continuous strips that require precise alignment across the entire wound length.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive elements are pre-formed and ready-to-apply, with adhesive properties already prepared. This eliminates the need for manual adhesive application and alignment procedures during the wound closure process, significantly reducing application time and complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional adhesive strips are applied to wounds, then wound edges can be held together, but the application is time-consuming and requires precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the wound closure into multiple discrete elements rather than a single continuous strip, the system allows for faster application while maintaining reliable wound edge approximation. Each element independently secures a portion of the wound, and collectively they provide comprehensive closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple disposable adhesive elements that are pre-formed and single-use. This eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures and allows rapid application, with each element designed for simple placement and immediate effectiveness.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If multiple punctures are made in adhesive strips to create channels, then fluid can drain from the wound, but the adhesive strength is compromised and application becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage function is integrated into individual adhesive elements through microcannulae structures rather than requiring large punctures in continuous strips. This segmentation allows small, controlled channels that maintain adhesive integrity while providing effective fluid drainage pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive elements incorporate microcannulae - microscopic porous channels - that allow fluid drainage without compromising the overall adhesive structure. These micro-channels provide sufficient drainage capability while maintaining the continuous adhesive matrix needed for strong bonding.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If large punctures are made in adhesive strips for drainage, then fluid can escape, but the structural integrity and adhesive properties are significantly compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses microcannulae - microscopic porous structures - within the adhesive elements that provide drainage pathways without creating large openings. These micro-channels allow exudate to escape while maintaining the continuous adhesive matrix and structural integrity of the wound closure system.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcannulae drainage channels are nested within the adhesive element structure itself. This nesting allows the drainage function to be embedded in the adhesive material without compromising the outer adhesive layer, maintaining both drainage capability and structural integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An apparatus includes a cannula that can establish fluid communication with a suction source, and a wound closure path dimensioned to cover a wound in skin. The wound closure patch can receive a topical adhesive to adhere to the skin and form a microbial barrier over the wound. The wound closure patch defines a channel. The wound closure patch includes a top surface, a bottom surface defining at least one channel interposed between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a fluid coupling section in fluid communication with the channel. The fluid coupling section can couple with the cannula to thereby establish fluid communication between the cannula, the channel, and the at least one opening defined by the bottom surface.