Segmented Haemostatic Foam Sponge Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional haemostatic sponges face challenges in adhering to wounds, especially in partially dry or lightly bleeding conditions, and often require expensive coagulants or reactive chemicals, which can expose patients to blood contaminants and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A bioresorbable haemostatic porous foam sponge with a tissue-contacting surface divided into closely-spaced elements, manufactured from collagen, starch, or hyaluronic acid, which enhances adhesion without the need for expensive coagulants or reactive chemicals by increasing surface area contact and conformability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional foam sponges are used, then they provide basic haemostatic function, but they fail to adhere well to partially dry or lightly bleeding wounds
Solution Approach 1:
The sponge surface is divided into a plurality of tissue-contacting elements (protrusions or fingers) that extend from the base portion. This segmentation increases the surface area in contact with the wound and allows the elements to independently conform to wound topography, significantly improving adhesion reliability especially in partially dry or lightly bleeding conditions where conventional sponges fail.
2Reliability
If thrombin and fibrinogen are dried on the sponge to improve adhesion, then adhesion is enhanced, but the cost increases three to fifteen times and patients are exposed to blood contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The sponge structure itself provides the adhesion mechanism through its tissue-contacting elements that physically conform to and grip the wound surface. This self-adhering structure eliminates the need for additional thrombin/fibrinogen coatings, thereby avoiding patient exposure to blood-derived contaminants while maintaining reliable adhesion.
3Reliability
If thrombin and fibrinogen are dried on the sponge to improve adhesion, then adhesion is enhanced, but the product cost increases three to fifteen times
Solution Approach 1:
The sponge uses its own structural features (tissue-contacting elements) to provide adhesion rather than requiring expensive additional substances like thrombin/fibrinogen coatings. This self-adhering mechanism maintains tissue attachment reliability while keeping the product cost comparable to conventional sponges.
4Ease of manufacture
If a continuous surface sponge is used, then manufacturing is simple, but the sponge cannot conform to wound topography and adhesion is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The sponge surface is segmented into multiple independent tissue-contacting elements that can flex and conform to irregular wound surfaces. This segmentation dramatically improves adhesion reliability by increasing contact area and adaptability to wound topography, while the elements remain attached to a common base portion that maintains structural integrity.
5Strength
If forces are applied to a conventional sponge, then displacement occurs easily, but the tissue-contacting elements of the modified sponge increase friction and resist displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented tissue-contacting elements create multiple friction points with the wound surface, collectively providing strong resistance to lateral displacement forces. The increased surface area and mechanical interlocking of the elements with tissue significantly enhance holding strength compared to smooth conventional sponges.
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue-contacting elements extend in the vertical dimension from the sponge base, creating a three-dimensional structure that mechanically interlocks with the wound surface. This dimensional transformation from a flat two-dimensional surface to a three-dimensional array of elements dramatically increases friction and resistance to displacement.
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 modified sponge achieves improved adhesion to wounds, remaining in place without additional adhering means, facilitating bioresorption and reducing the risk of contaminant exposure while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the channels created between the tissue-contacting elements may allow wound exudate to have more rapid access to the sponge thereby accelerating the adhesion process and, depending on the dimensions of the channel, potentially also creating a capillary effect through the sponge
Implementation Method 2
Foam sponges control bleeding by providing a porous matrix that adsorbs blood, and provides a surface that promotes clotting
Data Source
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AI summary
A bioresorbable haemostatic foam sponge for adhering to a wound. The sponge has a tissue-contacting surface divided into a plurality of closely-spaced tissue contacting elements. Also disclosed are methods for forming the haemostatic sponge and methods of using the sponge.