Ovoidal Foam Manifold Pad for Lateral Wound Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cost and complexity of negative-pressure therapy systems and methods for wound treatment hinder their widespread application, despite known clinical benefits such as enhanced tissue growth and reduced healing times.
Innovation Solution
A foam manifold pad with ovoidal pores, configured to contract laterally under negative pressure, is used to provide effective negative-pressure therapy, with the pores oriented to minimize thickness contraction and maximize lateral or radial contraction, thereby drawing incision edges closer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional foam materials are used in negative-pressure therapy, then the system can apply negative pressure to promote tissue healing, but the foam contracts significantly in thickness which reduces lateral closure force and effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The foam cells are engineered with asymmetric ovoidal geometry rather than spherical symmetry, with aspect ratios between 2:1 and 10:1. This asymmetric shape causes the foam to contract preferentially in lateral dimensions rather than thickness when subjected to negative pressure, thereby maintaining lateral closure force while minimizing thickness reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental geometric parameters of the foam cells from spherical to ovoidal with specific aspect ratios. This parameter change fundamentally alters the deformation characteristics of the foam under negative pressure, transforming it from uniform compression to directional contraction that preserves lateral force while minimizing thickness loss
2Reliability
If negative-pressure therapy is applied to promote tissue growth and wound healing, then clinical benefits are achieved, but the cost and complexity of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the foam cell geometry parameter to ovoidal shapes with specific aspect ratios, the patent achieves superior lateral closure performance using a single foam material property modification. This eliminates the need for complex multi-component systems or additional mechanical elements, thereby maintaining high healing effectiveness while reducing system complexity
3Area of stationary object
If foam contracts in thickness under negative pressure, then negative pressure is applied to the tissue site, but lateral closure force is reduced and wound edge approximation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ovoidal foam cells with aspect ratios of 2:1 to 10:1 create inherent geometric asymmetry that directs contraction behavior. When negative pressure is applied, the asymmetric geometry causes the cells to collapse preferentially in lateral directions rather than perpendicular to the surface, thereby maximizing lateral contraction while minimizing thickness reduction
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 foam manifold pad effectively distributes negative pressure to promote tissue healing by reducing thickness contraction and increasing lateral closure force, facilitating faster wound closure and tissue growth without significant thickness reduction.
Implementation Method 1
reducing pressure in proximity to a tissue site can augment and accelerate growth of new tissue at the tissue site
Implementation Method 2
the foam may comprise open-cell foam. For example, the open-cell foam of the manifold pad may have a cell-structure of open cells or pores
Implementation Method 3
the manifold pad may be configured to contract more radially or laterally upon application of negative pressure than in thickness, which may help draw incision edges closed
Implementation Method 4
the ovoidal pores may be oriented so that the minor axis of the ovoidal pores is oriented parallel to the surface of the manifold pad and the major axis of the ovoidal pores is oriented parallel to the thickness
Data Source
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AI summary
Some embodiments of a manifold pad may be configured to distribute reduced pressure relative to a tissue site and to provide a lateral contractive force relative to the tissue site. In some embodiments, the manifold pad may comprise a foam having a cell-structure forming ovoidal or ellipsoidal pores. In some embodiments, the manifold pad may be configured to preferentially contract radially or laterally upon application of negative pressure. For example, the manifold pad may be configured to be more resistant to collapse of the thickness of the manifold pad than to collapse radially or laterally. Other apparatus, dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.