Pixel Array Dermatome Fractional Resection for Minimal Scarring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing skin laxity and burns often result in visible scarring, prolonged healing times, and limitations in skin graft harvesting, particularly due to the need for extensive surgical incisions and donor site deformities.
Innovation Solution
The development of a Pixel Array Dermatome system that enables fractional resection and skin grafting with a scalpet array and adherent membrane, allowing for repeated harvesting of skin grafts without visible scarring by using a semi-porous, elastic membrane to align and heal skin plugs as a uniform sheet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional surgical incisions are used for skin laxity resection, then skin tightening is achieved, but visible scarring occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous surgical incision into multiple small, discrete pixel-sized incisions arranged in a grid pattern. Each pixel incision is so small that when healed, the individual scars are imperceptible, yet collectively they achieve the same skin tightening effect as a traditional continuous incision would provide.
2Quantity of substance
If extensive skin graft harvesting is performed, then skin defect coverage is improved, but donor site deformity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables harvesting of skin grafts in pixel-sized units rather than large sheets. Multiple small pixel grafts can be harvested from the same donor site without creating a single large deformity, as each pixel harvest leaves only a minimal mark that is imperceptible when healed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows for repeated harvesting of skin grafts from the same donor site. After initial harvesting and healing, the same donor site can be harvested again, effectively recovering the donor site's utility and increasing overall skin graft capacity without cumulative deformity.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional skin grafting methods are used, then skin defects are covered, but healing time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel-sized incisions and grafts heal more rapidly than large continuous incisions. The segmented approach allows each small pixel to heal independently and quickly, and the overall healing process is accelerated compared to traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the body's natural healing processes to optimize recovery. The small pixel incisions and grafts leverage the body's inherent regenerative capabilities, requiring minimal intervention and achieving rapid healing without prolonged medical management.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If pixel array dermatome is used for fractional resection, then scarring is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a template or guide plate with pre-defined pixel patterns that can be repeatedly applied to different areas. This copying approach allows the complex pixel array pattern to be transferred consistently without requiring complex real-time calculation or positioning systems, simplifying the overall device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a handpiece and drive system configured to removably couple to a proximal end of a housing. A scalpet assembly is configured to removeably couple to the housing, and includes a scalpet array comprising at least one scalpet configured for rotation. The scalpet array is configured to harvest dermal plugs via fractional resection. A collection chamber is configured to collect the dermal plugs, and to house formation of an injectable filler by mincing the dermal plugs, and mixing the dermal plugs with a carrier. The injectable filler is configured for bulk fill. The collection chamber includes a loading port, and a cannular syringe is configured to mate with the loading port to receive the injectable filler, and to deliver the injectable filler for the bulk fill.