Modular Wound Closure Device for Negative Pressure Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing negative pressure wound therapy systems face challenges in efficiently closing large wounds, such as abdominal compartment syndrome wounds, due to incomplete reapproximation of muscular and fascial tissue, and the limitations of foam or wound fillers in accommodating varying wound shapes and sizes, leading to prolonged closure times and potential secondary infections.
Innovation Solution
A wound closure device comprising modular building blocks or units that can be adhered and adjusted to form a stabilizing structure, allowing for customizable size and shape to fit the wound, which can be used in conjunction with negative pressure therapy to promote wound closure by collapsing and applying tension to the wound edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If foam or wound fillers are inserted into the wound and negative pressure is applied, then wound fluid removal is improved, but atmospheric pressure compresses the foam downward against the wound margins, slowing healing and preventing wound margin joining
Solution Approach 1:
The wound filler is divided into multiple segments or layers, with the first filler layer having different properties than the second filler layer. This segmentation allows the first layer to resist compression and maintain volume under negative pressure, while the second layer facilitates wound margin approximation and closure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the wound filler have different properties tailored to specific functions. The first filler layer has compression-resistant properties for fluid removal, while the second filler layer has properties that promote wound margin joining. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between fluid removal and wound closure.
2Loss of energy
If existing foam or wound fillers are used, then wound fluid removal is achieved, but the fillers cannot be adequately sized or shaped to accommodate wounds of different shapes and sizes, leading to prolonged closure times
Solution Approach 1:
The wound filler system is designed to be dynamic and adaptable, allowing the filler to be shaped and sized to match the specific wound geometry. The filler can be inserted in a compressed state and then expand to conform to the wound cavity, or it can be pre-shaped to match common wound types. This dynamic adaptability reduces closure time by ensuring optimal filler-wound contact from the beginning of treatment.
3Loss of energy
If negative pressure is applied to the wound and foam, then wound fluid is removed, but the foam is compressed downward and outward against the wound margins, slowing the healing process
Solution Approach 1:
The first filler layer acts as a cushioning layer that is specifically designed to resist compression under negative pressure. This layer is placed beforehand to protect the wound margins from the compressive forces that would otherwise be transmitted through the filler material. The cushioning layer absorbs the compressive stress, preventing it from reaching the wound margins.
4Reliability
If existing negative pressure treatment systems are used, then eventual wound closure is permitted, but lengthy closure times are required and there is risk that underlying muscular and fascial tissue is not appropriately reapproximated
Solution Approach 1:
The wound filler is designed to facilitate preliminary reapproximation of the wound margins and underlying tissues before complete closure occurs. The filler's structural properties and compression characteristics are engineered to hold the wound edges in proper alignment, ensuring that muscular and fascial tissues are appropriately reapproximated during the healing process. This preliminary action by the filler prevents tissue misalignment that could delay closure.
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 device facilitates faster wound closure by providing a customizable, stabilizing structure that can be adjusted to fit the wound's shape, reducing the need for repetitive filler replacement and enhancing healing by gradually bringing wound edges together under negative pressure.
Implementation Method 1
The devices, methods, and systems may operate to reduce the need for repetitive replacement of wound filler material currently employed and can advance the rate of healing. The devices, methods, and systems may be simultaneously used with negative pressure to remove wound fluids.
Implementation Method 2
the application of negative pressure to the wound and the foam may cause atmospheric pressure to bear down onto the wound, compressing the foam downward and outward against the margins of the wound
Data Source
AI summary
A negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system are described. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by preferentially contracting to provide for movement of the tissue. Some embodiments may include wound closure devices built from smaller units that are modular, assemble-able and/or customizable.