Perforated Sponge for Customizable Endoluminal Vacuum Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for treating gastrointestinal tract wounds, such as post-surgical leaks or perforations, are limited by the need for frequent foam replacement and risk of infection, with existing endoluminal vacuum therapy (EVT) devices lacking customization and stability.
Innovation Solution
A medical device comprising a sponge with perforated tear surfaces that can be customized in size and shape by removing detachable layers, attached to a vacuum tube for use in EVAC procedures, allowing for precise sizing and shape adjustment for wound treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size foam is used in endoluminal vacuum therapy, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot be customized to fit different wound sizes and shapes, requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The foam is divided into multiple detachable layers that can be selectively removed to customize the foam size and shape. Each layer can be independently detached to achieve the desired configuration for different wound sizes and anatomical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic customizable structure. The detachable layers allow the foam to be adapted in real-time during the procedure to match various wound geometries and sizes.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a standard foam size is used, then manufacturing is simple, but the foam must be replaced frequently to achieve proper fit, increasing treatment time and infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The foam's detachable layers enable precise sizing customization, allowing the foam to be perfectly fitted to the wound dimensions. This eliminates the need for frequent replacements and extends the foam's effective retention time at the treatment site.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam size and shape parameters can be adjusted by removing specific layers, allowing optimization of the foam-wound interface. This customization ensures proper fit and contact pressure, extending the duration the foam can remain in place effectively.
3Reliability
If frequent foam replacement is required, then a simple fixed foam design suffices, but infection risk increases due to repeated insertions and manipulations
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable layer structure allows the foam to be customized in-office without requiring complete replacement. This reduces the number of times the foam needs to be removed and reinserted, thereby reducing infection risk from repeated manipulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam is pre-configured with detachable layers that allow for easy customization. This preliminary design enables the foam to be adapted to different wound sizes without requiring complete replacement, reducing the frequency of insertions and associated infection risks.
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices and related methods useful for EVAC procedures are described. The medical device may include a sponge. The sponge may include a plurality of perforations that form one or more tear surfaces. The one or more tear surfaces may define a predefined location for removing a first portion of the sponge from a second portion of the sponge. The one or more tear surfaces may form a boundary between a radially inner surface of the first portion and a radially outer surface of the second portion. The medical device may further include a tube coupled to a proximal portion of the sponge.