Shape Memory Tissue Expander Eliminates Needle Adjustments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue expansion methods, such as silicone gel-filled and saline-filled implants, face safety concerns and lack natural shape and consistency, while traditional tissue expanders require frequent needle insertions to adjust volume.
Innovation Solution
An implantable tissue expander with a support member having shape memory properties that expands from an insertion configuration to a support configuration, using materials like Nitinol and magnets to shape and support body tissue, eliminating the need for frequent needle insertions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tissue expanders use liquid-filled envelopes requiring needle insertions for volume adjustment, then tissue expansion can be achieved, but patient safety deteriorates and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is pre-configured with shape memory properties and automatically transitions to its expanded support configuration upon implantation, eliminating the need for external needle insertions or manual adjustments. The device serves itself by utilizing its inherent shape memory characteristics to achieve the desired tissue expansion without requiring repeated patient interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is pre-formed with its final support configuration embedded during manufacturing. Before implantation, it is temporarily compressed into a compact insertion configuration, but the memory of its original shape is preserved. Upon implantation, it automatically returns to its pre-determined support configuration, eliminating the need for post-implantation adjustments.
2Shape
If silicone gel-filled implants are used for tissue augmentation, then natural appearance is improved, but safety deteriorates due to potential silicone gel leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is constructed from biocompatible, resorbable materials that are safe for long-term implantation. Rather than using permanent silicone gel that poses leakage risks, the device utilizes materials that can be safely absorbed by the body over time, eliminating the safety concerns associated with silicone gel while maintaining the ability to provide structural support and natural appearance during the needed period.
3Volume of moving object
If traditional tissue expanders require periodic needle insertions for volume adjustment, then tissue expansion is achieved, but manufacturing precision and device reliability worsen due to repeated access points
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is pre-formed with its final support configuration embedded during manufacturing. Before implantation, it is temporarily compressed into a compact insertion configuration, but the memory of its original shape is preserved. Upon implantation, it automatically returns to its pre-determined support configuration, eliminating the need for post-implantation adjustments.
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 tissue expander provides a safe, natural-looking tissue expansion solution by using shape memory materials to expand and support body tissue without the need for frequent adjustments, enhancing patient safety and aesthetic outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The support member has shape memory properties and is adapted to expand to a support configuration
Implementation Method 2
The body of the support member includes a biasing element. In the support configuration, the biasing element exerts a force at each of the first end and the second end to support the body tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable tissue expander for supporting a body tissue including a support member positioned with respect to the body tissue and adapted to expand to a support configuration, in the support configuration, the support member shaping the body tissue.