Sutureless Wound Closure Device with Ratcheting Tie Strip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for closing tissue wounds, such as suturing and skin adhesives, are invasive, require specialized skills and equipment, and are not accessible to the general public, leading to increased pain, infection risk, and scarring, especially for larger or irregular wounds.
Innovation Solution
A sutureless device with flexible and expandable connections, utilizing two anchors connected by a tie strip with a ratcheting system and a rack and pinion mechanism, allowing for precise alignment and adjustment of wound edges without the need for local anesthetic or specialized equipment, enabling easy use by untrained individuals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sutures or staples are used to close tissue wounds, then the wound edges can be mechanically brought together, but the method causes additional pain, increases infection risk, and requires specialized skills and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful elements (sutures, staples, needles, local anesthetics) from the wound closure process entirely. The device uses a sutureless mechanism with anchors and a tie strip that closes wounds without penetrating the skin, thereby eliminating pain, infection risk from punctures, and the need for specialized medical equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary device consisting of anchors placed on either side of the wound and connected by a tie strip. This intermediary mechanism brings wound edges together without direct suturing, avoiding the harmful effects of traditional methods while maintaining effective closure
2Object-affected harmful factors
If skin adhesives are used for wound closure, then the procedure is less invasive, but the device is difficult to use, cannot be adjusted, and is limited to small clean lacerations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic wound closure system where the tie strip can be adjusted by turning a key, allowing the distance between anchors to be precisely controlled. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the device to adapt to various wound sizes and shapes, unlike static skin adhesives
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separable components (anchors, tie strip, key) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows flexibility in application to different wound types and body contours while maintaining ease of use
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional suture methods are used, then wound edges can be aligned, but the process requires years of training and is not accessible to the general public
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a device that enables individuals to perform wound closure themselves without requiring years of medical training. The self-contained system with pre-formed anchors and a simple key-turning mechanism allows laypersons to achieve proper wound edge alignment independently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex manual dexterity required for traditional suturing with a mechanical system consisting of pre-formed anchors, a tie strip, and a key mechanism. This substitution transforms a skill-based procedure into a tool-based solution that is accessible to the general public
4Ease of operation
If the wound is left open for an extended period, then medical facilities are more accessible, but the risk of infection increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables immediate wound closure at the scene of injury or at home before professional medical care is obtained. By allowing preliminary self-closure, the wound is sealed quickly to prevent bacterial entry, then can be monitored or professionally evaluated later
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 effectively closes tissue wounds with reduced pain, infection risk, and scarring, is accessible to the general public, and can be used on various wound types and body contours, decreasing the time and cost of wound closure while minimizing bacterial load.
Implementation Method 1
adjustment of the distance between the two anchors by means of a rack and pinion
Implementation Method 2
The anchor bases and the receiving bases are formed with an adhesive on the bottom for attaching to a patient's skin
Data Source
AI summary
A sutureless device and methods for closing a tissue opening that minimizes the labor, cost, and skill typically required is disclosed. The apparatus comprises two anchors that attach to either side of an open tissue wound. The two anchors are connected together by a tie strip; the tie strip has a plurality of teeth and a rack. As the wound edges and anchors are brought together the ratchet system on the tie strip prevents the anchors and tissue wound from reopening. To control the distance between the two anchors, a rack and pinion system and a key or a lever system is utilized. The rack is located on the tie strip and the pinion is located on the key.