Protected Hyaluronic Thread Insertion Device for Dermal Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thread insertion devices for dermal fillers face issues such as premature hydration and swelling of hydrophilic threads, leading to mechanical integrity degradation, blockage of needle lumens, and improper placement, along with the need for multiple piercings and increased risk of contamination and pain.
Innovation Solution
The development of thread insertion devices that grasp and push a distal portion of the thread through the skin, allowing single-strand placement, minimizing piercings, and using a cover member to protect the thread from contamination and maintain alignment, with mechanisms to separate the thread from the device once positioned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional needle procedures are used to insert threads, then the thread can be placed into the skin, but the thread swells and expands prematurely inside the needle causing blockage and preventing proper placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the thread from the needle lumen before insertion begins. The thread is positioned in a groove on the outer surface of the needle, separating it from the internal needle environment that causes premature swelling. This allows the thread to remain dry and intact during the piercing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the thread is embedded within a groove on the needle surface, and the needle itself is contained within a protective sheath. This nested arrangement protects the thread from premature hydration while maintaining a compact insertion configuration.
2Manufacturing precision
If the thread is exposed during insertion, then it can be placed along the desired position, but friction with tissue increases beyond tensile strength causing the thread to break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the thread in a groove on the needle surface before insertion. The thread is secured with adhesive and protective coating in advance, so that during insertion, minimal friction is encountered. The thread is already aligned and protected before contact with tissue begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a protective coating to the thread that may be sacrificial or temporary, designed to be removed or dissolve after insertion. This protective layer reduces friction during the critical insertion phase without compromising the thread's long-term performance.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional devices place double-stranded thread, then coverage is increased, but the minimum expansion size is doubled limiting treatment options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the threading approach by placing a single thread in a precise groove configuration on the needle surface. This segmented approach allows for controlled single-strand placement that can be strategically positioned to treat smaller or more specific wrinkle areas, providing versatility that double-stranded methods cannot achieve.
4Ease of operation
If multiple piercings are used for thread insertion, then the thread can be fully inserted, but patient trauma and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thread attachment and needle insertion functions into a single integrated unit. The thread is permanently attached to the needle in a groove, allowing both the needle and thread to be inserted through a single piercing action. This eliminates the need for multiple piercings that would increase trauma and contamination risk.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces thread breakage, contamination risk, and patient trauma while providing precise control over thread placement and depth, enhancing the safety and efficacy of dermal filler procedures.
Implementation Method 1
because HA threads are hydrophilic, the mechanical integrity of the thread can rapidly degrade during an implantation procedure. Thread failure can result in improper placement or other complications during the procedure. Thus, a thread that is exposed during insertion of the thread into a patient can become hydrated, causing the thread to swell or expand prematurely
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for inserting an implant into skin or other tissue of a patient can include a hyaluronic thread that is coupled at a distal portion with an insertion device. The insertion device can include a cover member and a piston that can collectively facilitate engagement with or disengagement of the distal portion of the thread with the device. For example, the piston can be positioned within an inner cavity of the cover member, and the distal portion of the thread can be engaged by and/or between the piston and the cover member. The thread can be released by movement of the piston relative to the cover member. Thus, some insertion devices can grasp or engage the distal portion of the thread and “push” the distal portion of the thread into and through into skin or other tissue of a patient.