Sacral Dressing Non-Planar Sealing Region

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of applying a substantially airtight dressing for reduced pressure wound therapy (RPWT) in anatomically complex regions such as the sacral area is exacerbated by varied skin contours, motion, moisture accumulation, and the risk of adhesive trauma to delicate peri-wound skin.

Innovation Solution

A dressing system with a non-planar sacral sealing region, featuring a tapered shape and elastic elements, is designed to accommodate the sacral anatomy, providing a moisture-resistant adhesive and incorporating a fold-sealing region that can be pre-configured or adjusted to fit the intergluteal cleft, ensuring a secure and airtight seal while minimizing pressure points and facilitating easy removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional planar adhesive dressing is applied to the sacral region, then it is easy to apply and manufacture, but it cannot provide a substantially airtight seal due to varied skin contours and motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairtight sealVSAvoiddressing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dressing incorporates a non-planar sealing region with a peak that protrudes from the planar base layer, creating a three-dimensional curved structure. This peak region is configured to engage with the intergluteal cleft and accommodate the contoured anatomy of the sacral region, enabling the dressing to conform to varied skin surfaces and maintain an airtight seal despite motion and anatomical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional planar adhesive dressing to a three-dimensional structure by adding a peak region that protrudes vertically from the base layer. This dimensional addition allows the dressing to engage with the intergluteal cleft and create seals in complex anatomical regions that a flat dressing cannot address.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If adhesive is applied extensively to ensure sealing, then sealing reliability improves, but adhesive trauma to delicate peri-wound skin increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal integrityVSAvoidadhesive trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive layer is strategically positioned only at the periphery of the dressing, surrounding the peak region, rather than covering the entire surface. This localized adhesive application provides sufficient sealing at the boundaries where it is most needed while minimizing adhesive contact with the delicate peri-wound skin, thereby reducing adhesive trauma.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing function is segmented into two components: the non-planar peak structure provides mechanical engagement and contour accommodation, while the peripheral adhesive layer provides sealing. This segmentation allows the adhesive to be used more sparingly and strategically, reducing overall adhesive exposure to sensitive skin areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the dressing is made highly conformable to fit anatomical variations, then adaptability improves, but the dressing may create pressure points that worsen tissue ischemia

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanatomical accommodationVSAvoidpressure points

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dressing features a differentiated structure where only the peak region is highly conformable and adaptable to anatomical variations, while the main body of the dressing remains relatively planar and stable. This localized conformability allows the peak to engage with the intergluteal cleft and adapt to individual anatomy without causing pressure points in other areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The peak region's curved, protruding geometry is specifically designed to engage with the intergluteal cleft anatomy without creating concentrated pressure points. The rounded contours distribute contact forces more evenly compared to sharp edges, reducing the risk of tissue ischemia while maintaining anatomical accommodation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 dressing system effectively maintains an airtight seal in the sacral region, promoting healing by reducing leakage and minimizing tissue damage during application and removal, and is adaptable to individual anatomical variations.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive layer may be located on the second surface of the base layer and substantially along the outer perimeter of the base layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

Tapered regions may have one or more elastic regions configured to change the taper slope when stretched

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10639206B2Reduced pressure therapy of the sacral region

Publication Date: 2020.05.05 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

Reduced pressure wound therapy is performed on a sacral region of a patient using an adhesive dressing comprising a flexible planar layer and a non-planar fold-sealing region configured to seal to the intergluteal cleft of a patient. The fold-sealing region is located on an outer edge of the adhesive dressing and comprises a tapered configuration.