Pixel Array Dermatome for Low-Scarring Skin Graft Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical and electromagnetic methods for skin tightening and skin grafting are limited by scarring, visibility of surgical incisions, and donor site deformities, and lack a minimally invasive solution for treating skin laxity and burns.
Innovation Solution
The use of a Pixel Array Dermatome (PAD) for fractional resection and harvesting of skin grafts, combined with a flexible adherent membrane for alignment and healing, allowing repeated harvesting without visible scarring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical methods are used for skin tightening and grafting, then skin defects can be treated, but visible scarring and donor site deformities occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the skin grafting process into multiple small pixel-sized incisions arranged in arrays, replacing traditional single large incisions. This segmentation allows skin to be harvested and grafted in discrete units that heal with minimal visible scarring, directly addressing the contradiction between treatment effectiveness and scarring reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different qualities to different parts of the skin treatment process: pixel arrays are used in areas where scarring would be visible (face, neck), while larger grafts can be used where scarring is less conspicuous. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by adapting the method to the specific anatomical location and visibility requirements
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electromagnetic methods are used for skin tightening, then non-invasive treatment is achieved, but treatment effectiveness is limited for severe skin laxity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pixel array incisions as an intermediary step between non-invasive electromagnetic methods and traditional invasive surgery. These controlled micro-incisions provide mechanical separation and tightening that bridges the gap, offering improved effectiveness over electromagnetic methods alone while maintaining minimal invasiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the procedure by creating controlled micro-incisions with specific dimensions (pixel-sized) and patterns (arrays). This parameter modification allows the procedure to achieve surgical-level effectiveness while maintaining minimal invasiveness, resolving the contradiction between treatment intensity and invasiveness
3Quantity of substance
If repeated skin graft harvesting is performed using traditional methods, then sufficient graft material can be obtained, but donor site deformity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the donor site harvesting into multiple small pixel-sized units arranged in arrays, allowing repeated harvesting sessions. Each session removes only small amounts of skin in discrete locations that heal with minimal scarring, enabling accumulation of sufficient graft material over time without progressive donor site deformity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables periodic harvesting sessions where pixel arrays are applied at different locations or angles in subsequent procedures. This periodic approach allows gradual accumulation of graft material while each individual session causes minimal deformity, resolving the contradiction between quantity needed and deformity prevention
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, instruments, and methods for minimally invasive procedures including one or more of fractional resection, fractional lipectomy, fractional skin grafting, and/or fractional scar revision are described. Embodiments include instrumentation comprising a scalpet assembly coupled to a carrier, and the scalpet assembly includes a scalpet array. The scalpet array includes one or more scalpets configured for fractional resection, fractional lipectomy, fractional skin grafting, and/or fractional scar revision. The system includes a vacuum component coupled to the scalpet assembly and configured to evacuate tissue from the a site. The carrier is configured to control application of a rotational force and/or a vacuum force to the scalpet assembly.