Surgical Closure Device with Sacrificial Layer and Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical incision closure devices fail to evenly align tissue edges, lack adjustability for optimal closure force, and are prone to displacement under surgical drapes, leading to increased scarring and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A surgical incision closure device with left and right panels featuring a force distribution structure that allows axial expansion while limiting lateral expansion, coupled with a closure component that adjusts to apply controlled closure forces, and a sacrificial layer to prevent displacement under surgical drapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the closure device is made rigid to securely close the tissue, then the closure strength is improved, but the device cannot conform to tissue movement during the surgical procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device incorporates a dynamic structure that allows it to adapt between rigid and flexible states. The panel assembly includes force distribution structures and closure components that can be adjusted to provide either rigid support for secure closure or flexibility to conform to tissue movement during surgery, resolving the contradiction between closure strength and adaptability
2Reliability
If the surgical incision drape adheres to the tissue closure patch, then the sterility is maintained, but the closure patch is removed or displaced when the drape is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the adhesive function from the closure function by introducing a sacrificial adhesive layer that is distinct from the closure patch. This layer can be selectively removed with the drape while leaving the closure patch intact and in position, resolving the contradiction between maintaining sterility through adhesion and preserving position stability during drape removal
3Ease of operation
If the tissue edges are closed without adjustment, then the closure process is simple, but the tissue edges are not brought together evenly, increasing scarring
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device incorporates pre-configured force distribution structures and adjustable closure components that are prepared in advance. These structures include mechanisms for adjusting closure force and distance, allowing the user to optimize tissue edge alignment before final closure, thereby achieving precise alignment without complicating the overall operation
4Device complexity
If the closure force is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to adjust closure force to pucker tissue is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism incorporates adjustable components that allow the closure force and distance to be modified according to surgical needs. The device includes mechanisms such as adjustable closure components and force distribution structures that enable dynamic control of closure parameters, allowing tissue puckering when needed while maintaining relatively simple overall device structure
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 device ensures minimal tissue restraint during procedures, promotes even healing by 'puckering' tissue edges, and maintains position under surgical drapes, reducing scarring and operational disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
Each panel has a tissue adherent lower surface
Implementation Method 2
a sacrificial layer to prevent displacement under surgical drapes
Implementation Method 3
a force distribution structure that allows axial expansion while limiting lateral expansion
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for closing a surgical incision comprises left and right base panels, a plurality of closure components, and a plurality of left and right axial supports coupled to the respective base panels. The closure components couple the left and right base panels to each other laterally and have left and right ends coupled to the respective base panels. The closure components are positioned laterally across the left and right panels, the left axial supports are disposed between pairs of left closure component ends, the right axial supports are disposed between pairs of right closure component ends, and the left and right axial supports are offset from one another such that a serpentine arrangement of consecutive closure components and axial supports is formed. The apparatus can be made of antimicrobial materials or materials impregnated with antimicrobial agents. A flexible adhesive cover can be provided over the apparatus when in use.