Segmented Non-Resorbable Membrane for Adhesion Prophylaxis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surgical interventions often lead to scarring that can cause discomfort and complications during revision procedures due to adhesions between tissues, organs, and vessels, and existing solutions like resorbable membranes can hinder revision surgeries.

Innovation Solution

A non-resorbable, three-layer membrane with a detachable intermediate layer and releasable adhesive connections allows for easy separation of outer membrane layers, providing a stable barrier during initial surgery and serving as a holder for tissues during revisions, ensuring quick access to the surgical site.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a resorbable membrane is used for adhesion prophylaxis, then the membrane is absorbed by the body over time, but it hinders revision surgeries by preventing access to the surgical site

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion preventionVSAvoidrevision surgery access
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane is divided into multiple separable layers (first membrane layer, second membrane layer, intermediate layer) that can be detached from each other. This segmentation allows the layers to be separated during revision surgery to provide access to the surgical site, while still maintaining adhesion prevention functionality when intact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane transitions from a static, permanently adherent structure to a dynamic, adaptable structure that can change configuration. The detachable layers allow the membrane to adapt between providing continuous coverage for adhesion prevention and being opened for surgical access, depending on the clinical need.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a non-resorbable double-layered membrane with weak adhesive is used, then the layers can be separated during revision, but the membrane does not provide adequate tissue holding capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemembrane separationVSAvoidtissue holding capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the membrane have different properties: the outer surfaces are designed for tissue adhesion (rough or textured), while the intermediate connection layers are designed for detachable separation (smooth or adhesive-backed). This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of strong tissue holding and easy separation when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane combines multiple materials with different properties: body-compatible materials for the outer layers that provide tissue compatibility and adhesion, and detachable connection materials (adhesives, Velcro) for the intermediate layers that enable controlled separation. This composite structure resolves the contradiction between strength and ease of separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If the membrane layers are firmly connected to prevent adhesion, then adhesion prophylaxis is effective, but revision surgery becomes more difficult due to tissue-membrane adhesion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion prophylaxis effectivenessVSAvoidrevision surgery time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the membrane into detachable layers, the system allows selective separation during revision surgery. The outer layers that adhered to tissues can be peeled away from each other, providing quick access to the surgical site without requiring extensive dissection, thus reducing revision surgery time while maintaining effective adhesion prevention during the initial healing period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2172163B1Post-operative adhesion prophylaxis
Publication Date: 2016.11.30 GLOBAL MEDICAL CONSULTING
  • EP2172163B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4a
  • EP2172163B1 patent drawingFigure 4~3
  • EP2172163B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The method involves inserting an inlay between a surgery intervention position and tissue positions during surgical intervention. A non-reabsorbable membrane (10) is inserted between an operation position and the tissue positions after an operative intervention for facilitating exposure of the surgery intervention position during a revision intervention. An intermediate layer is removed or pulled with a multilayered membrane for separation of external membrane layers in the revision intervention. An independent claim is also included for an operation aid.