Segmented Manifold for Conformable Negative Pressure Wound Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) devices face challenges in accurately conforming to three-dimensional wound sites due to improper sizing and poor fit, particularly on non-planar body parts, leading to inefficiencies in wound healing and logistical issues with storage and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A wound therapy device featuring a conformable, reticulated manifold with patterned cuts that transform from a planar relaxed state to a pliable three-dimensional shape, combined with an adhesive breathable drape and pneumatic connection, allowing for improved fit and ease of use on various anatomies, and designed for efficient shipping and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If preformed three-dimensional dressings are used to fit rounded or asymmetric body parts, then the fit to the wound site is improved, but the packaging size and storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is provided with a pattern of cuts that divide it into multiple segments or regions. These cuts allow the manifold to be flexed and shaped into different three-dimensional configurations to fit various wound site geometries. The segmented structure enables adaptability without requiring multiple preformed dressing variants, thus reducing packaging volume while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold transitions from a static, preformed three-dimensional shape to a dynamic, flexible structure that can be shaped as needed. The pattern of cuts enables the manifold to be dynamically adjusted and molded to match the specific contours of different wound sites, providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed-size packaging options.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dressing variants are used to fit different body part geometries, then the adaptability to various wound sites is improved, but the number of stock-keeping units becomes unmanageable
Solution Approach 1:
A single manifold design with a pattern of cuts serves multiple functions by being adaptable to different wound site geometries. The universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized dressing variants for different body parts, reducing the number of SKUs while maintaining versatility across various anatomical sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The pattern of cuts segments the manifold into flexible regions that can be configured for different applications. This segmentation allows one universal product to replace multiple specialized products, simplifying inventory management while maintaining adaptability to various wound sites.
3Shape
If the manifold is extended along a lateral axis to fit contoured surfaces, then the conformability to three-dimensional anatomy is improved, but the risk of creating kinks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pattern of cuts segments the manifold into multiple flexible regions that can bend and conform to contoured surfaces without creating sharp kinks. The segmented structure distributes the bending stress across multiple regions, allowing the manifold to wrap around anatomical contours while maintaining structural integrity and preventing kink formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold is designed as a flexible structure with a pattern of cuts that allows it to conform to three-dimensional anatomy. The flexible design enables the manifold to adapt to contoured surfaces while the specific cut pattern prevents excessive bending that would create kinks, balancing conformability with kink-free performance.
4Reliability
If NPWT is applied to non-planar body parts, then the wound healing effectiveness is improved, but the adhesion of the dressing to the wound site deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible manifold with its pattern of cuts can conform to non-planar body parts, creating intimate contact between the dressing and the wound site. This conformability enhances adhesion strength by eliminating gaps and air pockets, while still allowing effective NPWT application to non-planar surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold is designed to create an equipotential surface that closely follows the contours of non-planar body parts. By matching the surface geometry, the dressing achieves uniform adhesion across the wound site, maintaining both adhesion strength and wound healing effectiveness on complex anatomical surfaces.
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 enhances the fit of NPWT devices to diverse wound sites, reducing kinks and adhesion issues while optimizing storage and transportation efficiency, thereby improving wound healing outcomes and logistical management.
Implementation Method 1
made from a porous, permeable material
Implementation Method 2
made from a porous, permeable material
Implementation Method 3
designed to transform a manifold from a planar relaxed state to a pliable three-dimensional state when extended
Implementation Method 4
applying a negative pressure to a wound site
Implementation Method 5
applying a negative pressure to a wound site
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
AI summary
A negative pressure wound therapy device, kit, and method are provided for improved treatment of wounds on complex three-dimensional anatomies. The device includes a conformable manifold made of a porous and permeable material with a pattern of cuts designed to transform the manifold from a relaxed, planar state to a pliable three-dimensional state when extended along the lateral axis. The kit further may include a wound interface layer, an adhesive, breathable drape, and a pneumatic connection to a negative pressure wound therapy device. Finally, a method for treating wounds using reduced pressure and the presently disclosed kit is provided.