Spring-Anchor Wound Closure for Fast Eversion Healing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wound closure methods such as sutures and medical adhesives are slow, painful, cause scarring, and ineffective in providing a permanent closure, leading to prolonged healing times and potential infection.

Innovation Solution

A wound closure system using a wound closure member with anchors and a spring member that applies an eversion closure force through a delivery needle, allowing for rapid and secure wound closure with reduced scarring and improved healing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sutures are used for wound closure, then the wound can be closed, but the application is slow and causes wound inversion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewound closure effectivenessVSAvoidapplication time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wound closure device is segmented into multiple independent anchors (first anchor and second anchor) that can be independently positioned and secured. Each anchor operates as a separate functional unit, allowing parallel processing during application and enabling faster closure without compromising effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchors are pre-formed with specific geometries (crossbar and spring member configurations) that enable them to engage tissue immediately upon insertion. The spring member is pre-configured to provide automatic eversion force, eliminating the need for post-insertion adjustment and reducing application time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If sutures are used for wound closure, then the wound can be closed, but they cause wound inversion and scarring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewound closure effectivenessVSAvoidscarring and wound inversion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of pulling tissue together through inversion (sutures), the device pushes tissue apart through eversion using the spring member anchor. This reverse approach creates a bulging effect that promotes healing from the inside out, eliminating wound inversion and reducing scarring while maintaining closure effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes the mechanical parameter of tissue manipulation from compressive (sutures pulling together) to expansive (spring member pushing apart). This parameter change in the closure mechanism fundamentally alters the healing process, reducing scarring and promoting better tissue regeneration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If medical adhesives are used for wound closure, then application is simple, but they are ineffective for permanent closure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication simplicityVSAvoidpermanent closure effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The anchors serve as intermediary elements that bridge the gap between simple application and permanent closure. The first anchor (crossbar) provides initial anchoring similar to adhesives, while the second anchor (spring member) provides the active eversion force for permanent closure, combining the benefits of both approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring member anchor provides dynamic, adjustable closure force that adapts to wound movement and healing progress. This dynamic characteristic allows the device to maintain effective closure over time, unlike static adhesives, while remaining easy to apply through the needle delivery system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If traditional wound closure methods are used, then wounds can be closed, but healing time is prolonged and infection risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewound closure effectivenessVSAvoidhealing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The spring member anchor provides continuous eversion force throughout the healing process, maintaining optimal wound conditions from insertion to full healing. This continuous action prevents wound inversion and promotes uninterrupted healing, reducing both healing time and infection risk compared to intermittent or static closure methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 provides rapid wound closure with reduced scarring and improved healing by applying a constantly adjusting closure force, promoting eversion and better blood flow.

Implementation Method 1

a spring member (130) coupled to the anchor (110) through the body (120) and configured to provide an eversion closure force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250380941A1Wound closure

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 THE PROVOST FELLOWS FOUNDATION SCHOLARS AND THE OTHER MEMBERS OF BOARD OF THE COLLEGE OF THE HOLY AND UNDIVIDED TRINITY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH NEAR DUBLIN

AI summary

Surgical devices, systems, and methods are provided for performing wound closure. For example, a wound closure member is provided with an anchor, a spring member, and a body extending therebetween. The wound closure member is configured to apply an adjustable closure force to tissue to close a wound. Delivery instruments are additionally provided.