Pixel Array Dermatome Fractional Skin Resection
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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 (PAD) system that allows for fractional resection and skin grafting with minimal scarring by using a scalpet array to create small skin plugs, which are then harvested and applied to a flexible, semi-porous membrane for reapplication, eliminating the need for extensive incisions and promoting primary healing.
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 and donor site deformities occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the skin resection process into multiple small fractional incisions rather than one large inciction. The pixel array dermatome creates numerous small skin plugs that are removed and replaced, segmenting the harmful effect of scarring while maintaining the skin tightening benefit through cumulative contraction of many small wounds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different treatment qualities to different areas: the fractional incisions are distributed across the treatment area with varying densities, allowing localized skin tightening while minimizing visible scarring in prominent areas. The small skin plugs are selectively removed and replaced based on local requirements
2Reliability
If traditional skin graft harvesting is performed, then skin defects are covered, but prolonged healing times and donor site deformities result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the skin graft into numerous small skin plugs that are harvested individually through the pixel array dermatome. This segmentation allows for faster harvesting compared to traditional large skin grafts, and the multiple small donor sites heal more quickly than a single large donor site, reducing overall healing time while maintaining reliable defect coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary preparation of the recipient site by creating fractional incisions and skin plugs before final graft application. This preliminary action facilitates faster integration of the graft material and accelerates the overall healing process while ensuring reliable defect coverage
3Shape
If extensive surgical incisions are made for skin resection, then skin laxity is corrected, but aesthetic outcomes are compromised due to visible scars
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the skin resection into numerous small fractional incisions distributed across the treatment area. This segmentation transforms one large visible scar into many tiny imperceptible marks, maintaining skin laxity correction through cumulative contraction while dramatically improving aesthetic outcomes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the natural healing process where small fractional incisions blend into the surrounding skin, effectively camouflaging the treatment area. The numerous small scars are less visible than a single large scar, and over time the treated area achieves a more natural appearance
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include a system comprising a cannula assembly configured for rotational fractional resection (RFR). The cannula assembly includes at least one cannula configured for rotational operation and enclosed in a depth guide configured to control an insertion depth of the at least one cannula. The depth guide includes a vacuum chamber configured to maintain vacuum to evacuate resected tissue generated by the RFR.