Negative Pressure Wound Filler Structure for Uniform Wound Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wound closure methods, such as sutures and staples, cause additional tissue injury and impede the healing process due to the insertion of mechanical devices, and mechanical stress points, and mechanical stress points, which can impede and damage the normal wound healing process.
Innovation Solution
A negative pressure wound closure device that uses a wound filler material with a stabilizing structure and tissue anchors to exert force at the edges of the wound to facilitate closure, which includes a porous foam that varies in pore size and/or pore density to control the distribution of vacuum force to the wound opening, which includes a porous foam that varies in pore size and/or pore density to control the distribution of vacuum force to the wound opening, which includes a porous foam that varies in pore size and/or pore density to control the distribution of vacuum force to the wound opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical closure techniques (sutures or staples) are used to close wounds, then wound closure is achieved, but additional tissue injury and localized stresses are caused that impede and damage the normal wound healing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical closure systems (sutures and staples) with a negative pressure system. A porous filler material is inserted into the wound cavity, and negative pressure is applied through a sealed drape, causing the wound edges to be drawn together uniformly without mechanical penetration of the tissue. This substitution eliminates the localized stress concentrations and tissue injury associated with sutures and staples while achieving effective wound closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using negative pressure (vacuum) to achieve wound closure. A vacuum source creates a pressure differential that draws wound margins together uniformly across the entire wound surface. This pneumatic approach distributes forces evenly rather than concentrating them at discrete insertion points, thereby avoiding tissue damage while maintaining closure stability.
2Productivity
If negative pressure is applied to remove wound fluids and promote healing, then fluid drainage and granulation tissue formation are improved, but the need for repetitive replacement of wound filler material increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies excessive negative pressure to achieve complete and uniform contact between the filler material and all wound surfaces, including irregular cavities. This ensures that the filler material remains firmly in place and effectively draws wound edges together, reducing the need for frequent replacements. The excessive pressure compensates for any potential loosening over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a porous filler material that maintains its structural integrity and effectiveness under negative pressure. The porous structure allows fluid drainage while providing sufficient mechanical support to maintain wound edge approximation. This material property enables the system to function effectively over extended periods without requiring frequent material replacement.
3Loss of energy
If uniform negative pressure is applied across the wound, then fluid drainage is effective, but controlled movement of tissue at wound edges is insufficient for optimal closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the pore size and/or pore density of the filler material in different regions. Areas with larger pores or higher pore density allow greater tissue movement and deformation, facilitating wound edge approximation. Areas with smaller pores provide more structural support and maintain uniform negative pressure distribution for effective fluid drainage. This spatial variation in material properties enables simultaneous optimization of both fluid removal and tissue movement control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the filler material, specifically pore size and pore density, to optimize performance. By adjusting these parameters, the system can control the balance between fluid drainage efficiency and tissue movement facilitation. Regions with different parameter values are used to address different functional requirements within the same wound bed.
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
Facilitates wound closure by reducing the need for repetitive replacement of wound filler material and enhances healing by controlling tissue movement and fluid drainage, allowing patients to engage in rehabilitation and reducing treatment costs.
Implementation Method 1
upon application of a negative pressure to the wound filler material
Implementation Method 2
the wound filler material comprises a porous foam that varies in pore size and/or pore density to control the distribution of vacuum force to the wound opening
Implementation Method 3
The stabilizing structure can include regions of relatively rigid material surrounded by regions of relatively compressible material
Implementation Method 4
The stabilizing structure is an endoskeleton formed of rigid and/or semi-rigid materials
Implementation Method 5
a tissue grasping surface extends over an outer peripheral surface of the wound filler material and includes a plurality of tissue anchors that engage the tissue at the wound margin
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1E
Figure 1F
AI summary
A negative pressure wound closure device is disclosed. The device comprises a wound filler material that is sized and shaped to be positioned relative to a wound opening. The wound filler material is configured to preferentially contract along at least a first x-direction relative to a second y-direction such that margins of the wound opening move towards closure of the wound opening upon application of a negative pressure to the filler material.