Thread Insertion Device with Hydrophobic Coating for Hyaluronic Acid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hyaluronic acid threads used in dermal filler injections are prone to rapid mechanical degradation during implantation, leading to premature hydration, thread blockage, and breakage, which complicates the insertion procedure and affects placement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The development of thread insertion devices with a cover member that protects and supports the thread, allowing for single-strand placement, minimizing piercings, and using a moveable member to control thread release and positioning, thereby preventing contamination and maintaining thread integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the thread is exposed during insertion, then the thread can be placed along the desired position, but the thread becomes hydrated and swells prematurely causing blockage and loss of tensile strength
Solution Approach 1:
A hydrophobic coating is applied to the thread as an intermediary layer that prevents direct contact between the hydrophilic thread material and water in the tissue or air moisture during insertion. This coating acts as a barrier that maintains thread integrity while allowing controlled placement, and can be removed or degraded after insertion to allow the thread to function properly.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophobic coating is applied in advance to the thread before insertion to preemptively prevent hydration and swelling. This preliminary protective action counteracts the harmful effect of premature water absorption that would otherwise occur during the insertion process, maintaining thread strength and preventing blockage.
2Ease of operation
If conventional suture procedures are used with needle and thread, then the thread can be inserted through skin, but the thread may break due to friction exceeding tensile strength
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophobic coating serves as a protective intermediary that reduces friction between the thread and surrounding tissue during insertion. By preventing direct water contact and swelling, the coating maintains the thread's original tensile strength, allowing it to withstand the frictional forces encountered during conventional suture procedures without breaking.
3Reliability
If the thread swells within the needle, then the thread becomes lodged and unable to move, but this prevents proper placement and complicates the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophobic coating is applied to the thread before insertion to preemptively prevent water absorption and swelling that would cause the thread to become lodged in the needle. This preliminary protection ensures the thread maintains its original dimensions and flexibility, allowing smooth passage through the needle and accurate placement without complicating the procedure.
4Measurement precision
If the thread engages with skin tissue before reaching desired position, then the thread becomes immovable, but this prevents proper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophobic coating acts as a protective barrier that prevents the thread from engaging with skin tissue during insertion by repelling water that would facilitate tissue adhesion. This allows the thread to be maneuvered precisely to the desired position without premature engagement, maintaining both placement precision and ease of manipulation.
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 solution enables precise and safe insertion of hyaluronic acid threads with reduced risk of contamination and breakage, allowing for more controlled thread length and depth placement, minimizing trauma to the patient, and accommodating smaller wrinkle treatments.
Implementation Method 1
In some embodiments, the thread can comprise a hydrophobic coating that can prevent or reduce water absorption by the thread
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for inserting an implant into skin or other tissue of a patient can include a hyaluronic thread coupled with an insertion device that can provide a supportive enclosure for the thread as it is injected into a patient's skin or other tissue. The device can include a moveable member and laterally extending portions, a closed distal portion, and an inner cavity so that the thread can be positioned within the inner cavity and extend along the moveable member. The laterally extending portions can move, relative to the thread, to expose the thread. In use, the moveable member is insertable into a patient and at least a portion of the moveable member is configured to move within a patient to expose the thread.