Pixel Array Dermatome Fractional Skin Resurfacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical 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 incisions and donor site deformities.
Innovation Solution
The development of a Pixel Array Dermatome (PAD) system that allows for fractional resection and harvesting of skin grafts using a scalpet array and adherent membrane, enabling minimally invasive procedures with reduced scarring and repeated harvesting from the same donor site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional surgical methods are used for skin laxity resection, then skin tightening is achieved, but visible scarring and donor site deformities occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous skin resection into discrete pixel-sized incisions arranged in a grid pattern. The scalpet array creates multiple small circular incisions (0.5-4.0mm diameter) that are so fine they become imperceptible, while collectively achieving the desired skin tightening effect through fractional resurfacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements local quality by concentrating the surgical effect into localized pixel-sized treatment zones rather than continuous incisions. Each pixel undergoes controlled resurfacing while surrounding areas remain untouched, allowing precise targeting of skin laxity regions without creating visible scar lines.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional skin graft harvesting is performed, then skin defects are covered, but donor site deformity and limited harvesting area occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the skin harvesting process into pixel-sized units that can be collected and stored. The scalpet array creates multiple small skin grafts simultaneously across a large area, which are then harvested using vacuum assistance. This allows accumulation of sufficient graft material without creating a single large deformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vacuum manifold as an intermediary that facilitates skin graft harvesting without direct manual manipulation. The vacuum system gently extracts the pixelated skin grafts through the scalpet array, minimizing trauma to both the donor site and the harvested grafts, thereby reducing deformity.
3Shape
If extensive incisions are made for skin resection, then skin laxity is corrected, but healing time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the healing process into multiple independent pixel-sized wounds rather than one large incision. Each small pixel heals independently and rapidly through epithelialization, and the distributed nature of these micro-wounds allows faster overall healing compared to a continuous extensive incision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies partial action by treating only the specific pixels requiring correction rather than making extensive incisions across the entire area. This fractional approach addresses skin laxity where needed while leaving surrounding healthy tissue untouched, thereby reducing total healing time.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If pixel array dermatome system is used, then scarring is minimized and repeated harvesting is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the pixel array dermatome system: the scalpet array performs both skin resurfacing and graft harvesting, the vacuum manifold integrates suction and collection, and the entire assembly operates as a unified platform. This consolidation achieves scarring reduction and repeated harvesting capability while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The scalpet array is designed as a universal tool that can perform multiple functions: creating pixelated incisions for resurfacing, harvesting skin grafts through vacuum assistance, and allowing repeated use on the same donor site. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices for each procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, instruments, methods, and compositions are described involving removing a portion of the epidermis within a donor site on a subject, and harvesting dermal plugs within the donor site. An injectable filler is formed by mincing the dermal plugs. The injectable filler is configured for injecting into a recipient site on the subject.