Surgical Adhesive Applicator with Frangible Ampoule
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicators for surgical adhesives lack versatility in effectively closing and sealing wounds, particularly in minimally invasive surgeries like laparoscopic procedures, where a reliable and efficient method for applying medical adhesives is needed to minimize pain and promote faster recovery.
Innovation Solution
A deformable cylindrical applicator with a frangible ampoule holder, surgical adhesive-permeable foam, and a flow restrictor, which allows controlled release and application of surgical adhesive through a pipette tip, enabling precise 'spot welding' of incisions and providing a sealing-strengthening layer without the need for removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional suture or staple techniques are used to close incisions, then wound closure is achieved, but patient pain is increased and recovery time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical closure systems (sutures and staples) with a chemical adhesive system. The surgical adhesive applicator delivers liquid surgical adhesive that bonds tissue through chemical adhesion rather than mechanical penetration, eliminating the need for needles, knots, or metal staples that cause tissue trauma and patient pain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of wound closure from mechanical force-based (sutures/staples) to chemical bond-based (adhesive). The surgical adhesive undergoes polymerization upon contact with tissue moisture, transforming from liquid to gel state, creating a strong bond without mechanical intrusion into the tissue.
2Ease of operation
If surgical adhesive is applied without controlled release mechanism, then application is simplified, but precision and control of adhesive delivery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator incorporates a squeezable body that allows dynamic control of adhesive flow. The operator can apply varying degrees of compression to the squeezable body to control the rate and amount of adhesive dispensed, providing real-time adjustment of delivery precision while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a squeezable body as an intermediary mechanism between the adhesive reservoir and the application site. This intermediary allows the operator to modulate the flow of adhesive through mechanical compression, providing controlled release without complex valve systems or pumps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a versatile applicator is designed to effectively close and seal wounds, then wound sealing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single applicator that performs multiple functions: it stores surgical adhesive, controls its release, delivers it precisely to the wound site, and facilitates proper application. The squeezable body with integrated nozzle system can adapt to different wound types and sizes, providing versatile wound closure and sealing capabilities without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functional components into a single integrated applicator device. The squeezable body, adhesive reservoir, control mechanism, and application nozzle are merged into one cohesive unit, achieving versatility in wound closure while minimizing the number of separate components and reducing overall device complexity.
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 applicator effectively seals incisions made during minimally invasive surgeries, such as laparoscopic procedures, using a controlled release mechanism for surgical adhesives, ensuring strong bonding and antimicrobial protection without causing skin trauma upon natural shedding, thus enhancing wound closure and reducing post-surgical infection risks.
Implementation Method 1
The body has a deformable cylindrical wall and a cylinder-closing first end and an open second end. The internal dimensions of the receiver are set to removably accommodate and receive a sealed ampoule of surgical adhesive. The ampoule is formed of a frangible material, which when fractured, releases the surgical adhesive.
Implementation Method 2
The applicator further comprises a blunt cylindrical body of a surgical adhesive-permeable foam inserted into the open second end of the receiver. The body of foam serves to absorb and transmit adhesive released from the ampoule.
Implementation Method 3
The second end of the collar has an internal diameter selected to provide a narrowed pathway for the released adhesive to pass when the collar is sealed to the second end of the receiver.
Implementation Method 4
These adhesives are liquid in nature and, upon contact with surface skin proteins and moisture, will polymerize and the resulting polymer bonds strongly to the skin.
Data Source
AI summary
An adhesive applicator for applying medical adhesives, particularly cyanoacrylates, to incisions such as those made during minimally invasive surgery. The applicator employs a pipette tip or similar narrow flow restrictor tip to close the incision and a body of foam to seal the incision. Methods of using the applicator are also disclosed.