Swelling PVA Ring Seal for Implant Opening Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for effective sealing of openings in fluidically-sealed body chambers to prevent fluid leakage and contamination after implantation of medical devices, as existing solutions often require multiple surgical procedures and do not ensure long-term integrity.
Innovation Solution
A cured ring seal made from hydrophilic or hygroscopic polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol, that expands and develops adhesive properties upon exposure to aqueous media, providing a temporary seal around implantable components and eventually being replaced by natural tissue growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional sealing method is used, then the surgical procedure can be completed, but multiple surgical procedures are required and long-term integrity is not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The seal transitions from a compressed state during implantation to an expanded state after exposure to aqueous media, changing its physical parameters to achieve both initial placement and long-term sealing integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The seal automatically expands and adheres to itself and surrounding tissues upon exposure to body fluids, eliminating the need for additional surgical interventions to ensure proper sealing
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a non-bioresorbable seal is used, then long-term sealing is achieved, but the seal requires removal or replacement and does not integrate with natural tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed to be temporarily functional and then naturally resorbed by the body, with its sealing function maintained during the critical healing period before being replaced by natural tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The seal acts as a temporary intermediary structure that facilitates initial sealing and tissue integration, then gradually transitions to being replaced by natural tissue growth
3Ease of operation
If a seal that does not expand is used, then the implantation is simpler, but the seal cannot conform to implantable components and tissue for effective sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The seal transitions from a static compressed state during implantation to a dynamic expanded state after implantation, allowing it to conform to irregular surfaces and ensure effective sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is pre-compressed to a smaller size for easier implantation, then automatically expands after placement to achieve the proper sealing configuration
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
The solution effectively seals openings in body chambers, reducing the need for multiple surgical procedures and ensuring long-term integrity by using a bioresorbable, self-adhering, and swelling ring seal that conforms to the implantable components and tissue, promoting tissue growth for a natural seal.
Implementation Method 1
the cured PVA ring is configured to, after implantation and exposure to aqueous media, absorb the aqueous media and swell
Implementation Method 2
the cured PVA ring has a wettability such that absorption of the aqueous media causes the cured PVA ring to develop adhesive properties
Data Source
AI summary
Presented herein are cured ring seals and related methods for at least temporarily sealing openings in fluidically-sealed body chambers. The cured ring seals include a body that is formed from a hydrophilic or hygroscopic polymer, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), that is cured prior to implantation into the body of a recipient (e.g., pre-cured). The cured ring seals are substantially pliable to facilitate positioning around an outer surface of an implantable component and are configured to expand following implantation.