Stabilizing Structure for Negative Pressure Wound Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing negative pressure wound therapy systems face challenges in efficiently closing large wounds, such as abdominal compartment syndrome wounds, due to incomplete reapproximation of muscular and fascial tissue, and the application of negative pressure can compress wound fillers, slowing healing and preventing wound margin joining.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizing structure with a specific design that collapses more in the horizontal plane than in the vertical direction, featuring cells of varying sizes and stiffness, is inserted into the wound to facilitate wound closure by applying negative pressure, promoting tissue reapproximation and reducing the need for repetitive wound filler replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If foam or wound fillers are inserted into the wound and negative pressure is applied, then wound fluid removal is improved, but atmospheric pressure compresses the foam downward against the wound margins, slowing healing and preventing wound margin joining
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing structure uses a flexible membrane or thin film configuration that can collapse under negative pressure without rigid resistance. This flexible structure allows the foam to be compressed uniformly throughout its volume rather than being pushed downward against the wound margins, enabling wound margin approximation while maintaining negative pressure wound therapy functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing structure transitions from a rigid or semi-rigid state during insertion to a collapsible, dynamic state when negative pressure is applied. The structure is designed to dynamically adapt its shape and volume in response to the applied negative pressure, collapsing inward rather than transmitting compressive forces to the wound margins.
2Productivity
If existing negative pressure treatment systems are used, then wound fluid removal is achieved, but closure times are lengthy and underlying muscular and fascial tissue is not appropriately reapproximated
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane structure conforms to the wound cavity shape and provides uniform support across the wound bed. When negative pressure is applied, the structure collapses uniformly, bringing wound margins together while allowing underlying muscular and fascial tissue to be appropriately reapproximated without the rigid constraints of traditional fillers.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing structure changes its physical parameters (volume, shape, density) in response to negative pressure application. This parameter change allows the structure to transition from a volume-maintaining state during insertion to a collapsible state during therapy, enabling both wound fluid removal and proper tissue reapproximation.
3Productivity
If a stabilizing structure is designed to collapse more in the horizontal plane than in the vertical direction, then wound margin joining is promoted, but the structure design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing structure is divided into multiple cells or compartments within the flexible membrane. This segmentation allows different regions of the structure to collapse at different rates and in different directions, with the design enabling preferential horizontal collapse over vertical collapse to promote wound margin joining while managing structural complexity through modular cell design.
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 stabilizing structure enhances wound closure by evenly distributing pressure, promoting tissue reapproximation and accelerating healing, while minimizing the risk of secondary infections and complications.
Implementation Method 1
upon application of negative pressure to the wound when the stabilizing structure is inserted into the wound, the stabilizing structure collapses more in the horizontal plane than in the z-direction
Data Source
AI summary
A negative pressure wound closure devices, systems and methods. Embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by preferentially contracting under negative pressure to provide for movement of the surrounding tissues. Some embodiments may utilize a stabilizing structure with a plurality of cells configured to collapses more in the x-direction than in the y-direction.