Segmented Contact Layer Dressing for Debris Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current negative-pressure therapy systems face challenges in effectively removing thick exudate and debris from tissue sites, which can hinder wound healing due to inefficient debridement processes and the risk of trauma to healthy tissue.

Innovation Solution

A dressing system with a contact layer and retainer layer, featuring through-holes and a multi-layered design, is used in conjunction with negative-pressure therapy and instillation therapy to disrupt and remove debris, utilizing a combination of mechanical and autolytic processes to enhance wound cleansing and tissue growth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If negative-pressure therapy is applied to remove exudate and debris, then wound cleansing is improved, but thick exudate and debris may block the therapy effectiveness and hinder wound healing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewound cleansing effectivenessVSAvoidblockage by thick exudate and debris

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The contact layer is segmented into multiple layers (first contact layer and second contact layer) with different pore sizes and structures. The first contact layer has larger pores to allow passage of thick exudate and debris, while the second contact layer has smaller pores for finer filtration, enabling effective removal of various sized particles without blockage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes porous foam materials with controlled pore sizes and distributions. The foam structure provides channels for exudate and debris to pass through while maintaining mechanical integrity under negative pressure, preventing blockage and ensuring continuous therapy effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Reliability

If aggressive debridement is used to remove debris, then wound cleansing is improved, but trauma to healthy tissue increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris removal effectivenessVSAvoidtrauma to healthy tissue

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces aggressive mechanical debridement with a gentler system combining negative pressure therapy and autolytic processes. The controlled pore structure and pressure gradient enable debris removal through physical forces rather than mechanical force, reducing trauma to healthy tissue while maintaining effective cleansing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes autolytic processes where the wound's own enzymes and natural healing mechanisms work to break down and remove debris. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external aggressive intervention, reducing healthy tissue trauma while achieving effective debridement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If traditional dressings are used without through-holes, then structural integrity is maintained, but exudate and debris removal efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedressing structural integrityVSAvoidexudate and debris removal efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The contact layer incorporates porous foam material with through-holes that maintain structural integrity while enabling exudate and debris removal. The foam matrix provides mechanical strength while the interconnected pores create channels for efficient fluid and particle transport, achieving both strength and productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The dressing is segmented into multiple functional layers with through-holes strategically positioned. The first and second contact layers have different pore configurations that work together to maintain overall structural integrity while maximizing removal efficiency through the distributed hole structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 system effectively disrupts and removes debris, promoting wound healing by enhancing tissue growth and reducing healing times through improved wound cleansing and minimizing trauma to healthy tissue.

Implementation Method 1

reducing pressure in proximity to a tissue site can augment and accelerate growth of new tissue at the tissue site

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

instillation of topical treatment solutions over a wound bed can be combined with negative-pressure therapy to further promote wound healing by loosening soluble contaminants in a wound bed and removing infectious material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS20230000687A1Tissue interface for negative-pressure and instillation therapy

Publication Date: 2023.01.05 KCI MFG UNLIMITED CO

AI summary

Apparatuses, systems, and methods for treating a tissue site are described. The apparatus includes a dressing for treating a tissue site. The dressing includes a contact layer having a first side and a second side configured to be positioned adjacent to the tissue site. A plurality of holes extend through the contact layer from the first side to the second side. The dressing also includes a retainer layer coupled to the first side of the contact layer.