Pixel Array Scalpet System for Minimally Invasive Skin Grafting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical procedures for managing skin laxity and burns often result in post-operative pain, scarring, and donor site deformities, while electromagnetic devices have limitations in effectiveness and safety for skin tightening.

Innovation Solution

The development of pixel array medical systems and methods that utilize a PAD Kit with a scalpet punch, adhesive membrane, and transection blade to perform minimally invasive skin grafting and resection procedures, allowing for fractional skin resection and harvesting of skin grafts with reduced scarring and enhanced aesthetic outcomes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional surgical procedures are used for skin grafting, then skin defects can be covered, but extensive scarring and donor site deformities occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin defect coverageVSAvoidscarring and donor site deformities

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the skin grafting process into two distinct phases: (1) harvesting thin skin grafts from a donor site using a dermatome, and (2) applying the graft to cover the skin defect. The key innovation is that the donor site is covered with a biocompatible membrane immediately after harvesting, segmenting the healing process and preventing scar formation at the donor site while still providing functional skin coverage at the defect site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a biocompatible membrane as an intermediary substance that is applied to the donor site after skin harvesting. This membrane acts as a temporary substitute that protects the donor site, promotes healing without scarring, and allows for potential re-harvesting. The membrane mediates between the need for skin harvesting and the need to prevent donor site deformities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If split thickness skin grafts are harvested from non-burned areas, then deeper burns can be covered, but painful and prolonged healing occurs at the donor site

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveburn coverageVSAvoidhealing duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a biocompatible membrane to the donor site immediately after skin harvesting, providing beforehand protection and cushioning. This membrane creates a favorable healing environment from the start, preventing pain and prolonged healing by protecting the exposed dermis and promoting rapid re-epithelialization. The membrane is already in place before any healing complications can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If electromagnetic devices are used for skin tightening, then surgery can be avoided, but effectiveness is limited to moderate skin laxity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-surgical treatmentVSAvoidskin tightening effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electromagnetic energy-based skin tightening with a mechanical surgical approach using a dermatome and biocompatible membrane. This mechanical system allows for precise control of skin harvesting thickness and immediate donor site protection, providing more reliable and predictable results for significant skin laxity compared to electromagnetic devices. The mechanical substitution enables customization of graft thickness and precise application to match the patient's specific needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If extensive skin grafts are harvested from the same donor site, then more skin defects can be covered, but donor site capacity is exhausted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin graft outputVSAvoiddonor site availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a recover and reuse strategy for the donor site. By applying a biocompatible membrane that promotes complete healing without scarring or tissue loss, the donor site is recovered to its original state. This allows the same donor site to be harvested from multiple times, significantly increasing the total skin graft output available to cover extensive burn injuries or multiple skin defects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS11116540B2Pixel array medical devices and methods

Publication Date: 2021.09.14 SRGI HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

Systems, instruments or devices, and methods or procedures are described in which a scalpet array is applied to a target site with the use of a pattern. The scalpet array comprises scalpets positioned on a device. Skin pixels are incised at the target site via application of a load through the scalpet array. A recipient site is prepared by positioning the pattern at the recipient site and applying the scalpet array to generate skin defects. The incised skin pixels are applied at the skin defects of the recipient site.