Rotating Micro-Wound Rod for Lymphatic Vessel Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for lymphedema, such as lymphaticovenular anastomosis, require advanced surgical techniques and may not always achieve sufficient results due to vein and lymphatic vessel incompatibility, and there is a need for a simpler, effective radical treatment.
Innovation Solution
A lymphangiogenesis inducing device with a rod and a wound application unit that applies a fine wound to the target site by rotating about a central axis, utilizing edges formed on the rod's outer periphery to promote lymphatic vessel regeneration without complex procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lymphaticovenular anastomosis is performed, then radical treatment for lymphedema is achieved, but the procedure requires advanced surgical techniques and has high complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of lymphaticovenular anastomosis (creating connection between lymphatic vessels and veins) and implements it through a simplified percutaneous procedure using a catheter-based wound application unit, eliminating the need for complex open surgical techniques while maintaining the core therapeutic mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical surgical anastomosis procedure with a percutaneous catheter-based system that uses a wound application unit to create controlled micro-wounds, substituting complex surgical mechanics with a less invasive mechanical approach
2Reliability
If lymphaticovenular anastomosis is performed, then radical treatment is achieved, but the availability of suitable veins and lymphatic vessels is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal treatment approach that does not depend on the availability of specific anatomical structures (veins and lymphatic vessels). The wound application unit can be applied to various target sites regardless of individual anatomical variations, making the treatment universally applicable to different patients
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the treatment parameters from requiring specific anatomical structures (veins and lymphatic vessels of certain size and quality) to applying controlled micro-wounds that can be created at various locations, thereby expanding adaptability to different patient anatomies
3Reliability
If lymphaticovenular anastomosis is performed, then treatment is achieved, but the quality of anastomosis varies and affects treatment outcome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-regulating mechanism where the wound application unit automatically creates controlled micro-wounds of consistent size and depth through rotation about a central axis. The edge geometry and rotational motion inherently control the wound characteristics, eliminating variability associated with manual surgical anastomosis quality
4Duration of action of stationary object
If complex physical therapy is performed, then lymphedema progression is slowed, but the treatment does not improve symptoms and requires daily self-care with large burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a preliminary radical treatment procedure that creates the conditions for lymphatic vessel regeneration before the need for long-term conservative management. By addressing the underlying lymphatic obstruction through controlled micro-wound induction, the treatment aims to restore function and reduce or eliminate the need for ongoing daily self-care
Data Source
AI summary
A lymphangiogenesis inducing device includes: a rod configured to be inserted into a living tissue; and a wound application unit that is provided on the rod and configured to provide a fine wound to a target site of the living tissue. The wound application unit includes an edge formed on an outer periphery of the rod, and is configured to apply the wound to the target site upon rotation of the rod around a central axis.