Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Tension Relief Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical incisions and wounds face challenges with wound infections due to bacterial growth in fluid collections, excessive tension from sutures, and inadequate healing environments, which can lead to prolonged healing times and scarring.
Innovation Solution
A negative pressure wound therapy system comprising a sealant layer and a collection chamber that applies reduced pressure to the incision site, reducing fluid collections, alleviating tension, and promoting a moist healing environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If negative pressure wound therapy is applied to reduce fluid collections and prevent infection, then infection rates are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a flexible sealant structure for sealing the wound periphery, a tension relief module with conduit structure for fluid evacuation, and a negative pressure source. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall system design and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit structure is positioned within the tension relief module, which is in turn covered by the flexible sealant structure. This nested arrangement integrates multiple functions (sealing, fluid evacuation, tension relief) into a compact unified device, reducing overall complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
2Reliability
If a flexible sealant structure is used to cover the incision, then a sealed environment is created for negative pressure application, but the adhesive strength may be insufficient under tension
Solution Approach 1:
The tension relief module with its conduit structure positioned along the longitudinal axis of the incision acts to counterbalance the tensile forces acting on the wound. This mechanical counteraction reduces the stress on the adhesive bonds of the flexible sealant structure, preventing delamination while maintaining the sealed environment necessary for negative pressure therapy.
3Ease of manufacture
If sutures are used to close the incision, then the incision is closed, but excessive tension on the wound edges causes dehiscence and poor healing
Solution Approach 1:
The tension relief module serves as an intermediary mechanical element between the sutures and the wound edges. It distributes and reduces the tensile forces transmitted to the wound edges, preventing excessive tension that would cause dehiscence. This allows standard suturing techniques to be used while improving healing outcomes by eliminating the harmful tension component.
4Productivity
If the conduit structure is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the incision, then fluid evacuation is optimized, but the device becomes more difficult to apply
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sealant structure provides multiple functions: it seals the periphery of the incision, provides a mounting surface for the tension relief module, and accommodates the conduit structure in its optimal longitudinal alignment. This multi-functionality allows the device to achieve optimized fluid evacuation while maintaining ease of application, as the flexible sealant adapts to the wound geometry and simplifies the positioning process.
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 effectively reduces infection rates, enhances wound healing by improving tissue perfusion, and minimizes scarring by eliminating fluid pockets and reducing mechanical tension on the wound.
Implementation Method 1
A negative pressure wound therapy system comprising a sealant layer and a collection chamber that applies reduced pressure to the incision site
Implementation Method 2
The lower adhesive surface of the flexible sealant structure and the upper surface of the conduit structure form a flow pathway
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are devices, systems and methods for using such devices and systems for treating incisions and wounds. In an aspect, disclosed is a device having a generally planar tension relief module and a flexible sealant structure sized to cover the tension relief module, the flexible sealant structure comprising a lower adhesive surface. The tension relief module includes a conduit structure having a plurality of support structures on an upper surface of the conduit structure and at least one opening extending through the conduit structure from a lower surface to the upper surface. At least a portion of the conduit structure is adapted to be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the incision. The tension relief module also includes opposing adhesive structures coupled to the conduit structure. The lower adhesive surface of the flexible sealant structure and the upper surface of the conduit structure form a flow pathway.