Tissue-Approximating Device for Lymphatic Flow Restoration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surgical procedures, especially minimally invasive ones, often result in subcutaneous defects that disrupt lymphatic flow, leading to complications like edema, seroma, and delayed healing due to the accumulation of fluids.

Innovation Solution

A tissue-approximating device with a curved member and flange portion, formed from semi-rigid material, is deployed over the defect, coupled with a reduced-pressure source to approximate subcutaneous tissue, restoring lymphatic flow by creating a concave space with a reduced-pressure aperture and spacer member to facilitate fluid removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If minimally invasive surgical procedures are performed, then surgical recovery time is reduced and patient trauma is minimized, but subcutaneous tissue defects are created that disrupt lymphatic flow and cause fluid accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical recovery timeVSAvoidlymphatic flow disruption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is applied immediately after surgery to prevent lymphatic flow disruption before it can cause significant fluid accumulation. The preliminary approximation of subcutaneous tissues restores lymphatic continuity at the time of surgery, preventing the harmful effects rather than treating them later.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tissue-approximating device acts as an intermediary between the disrupted subcutaneous tissues, providing mechanical support and approximation to restore lymphatic flow. The device mediates the healing process by maintaining proper tissue alignment while the body's natural healing mechanisms work.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If subcutaneous tissues are left undisturbed after surgery, then natural healing occurs, but fluid accumulation leads to edema, seroma, and delayed healing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenatural healing processVSAvoidhealing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables the body's natural healing mechanisms to work more effectively by restoring lymphatic flow. The system uses the body's own physiological processes to remove fluid and heal tissues, enhanced by the mechanical approximation provided by the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes the physical parameters of the subcutaneous space by applying controlled pressure to approximate tissues. This parameter change restores lymphatic flow dynamics, transforming the stagnant fluid environment into one that promotes active drainage and healing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional dry bandages are used to cover wounds, then wound coverage is provided, but subcutaneous defects remain untreated causing ongoing lymphatic disruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewound coverage simplicityVSAvoidsubcutaneous tissue disruption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device addresses both the surface wound and the deeper subcutaneous defect simultaneously through its multi-component structure. The drape covers the surface wound while the inflation bulb and positioning elements address the subcutaneous space, segmenting the treatment into manageable functional zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from two-dimensional surface wound coverage to three-dimensional subcutaneous space management. By adding depth through the inflation bulb that can be positioned within the subcutaneous defect, the device treats both surface and deep tissue issues concurrently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 effectively promotes quicker healing by restoring lymphatic flow, reducing fluid accumulation and associated complications, and minimizing discomfort with its semi-rigid yet flexible design.

Implementation Method 1

causing the reduced-pressure source to deliver reduced pressure to the concave space whereby portions of the subcutaneous tissue are approximated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReduced pressure (negative pressure): Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

A reduced-pressure aperture is formed on the curved member for providing reduced pressure to the concave space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-driven fluid flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9011393B2Systems, methods, and devices for restoring lymphatic flow associated with a subcutaneous defect in a patients body

Publication Date: 2015.04.21 KCI LICENSING INC

AI summary

Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed that help to restore lymphatic flow associated with a subcutaneous defect in a patient's body by approximating portions of the subcutaneous defect using reduced pressure and a tissue-approximating device. The tissue approximating device may include a curved member that is formed from a semi-rigid material and defines a concave space that goes over the subcutaneous defect. A flange portion is formed on the curved member. A reduced-pressure aperture is formed on the curved member for providing reduced pressure to the concave space. The tissue-approximating device also includes a spacer member disposed on a tissue-facing side of the curved member and aligned substantially with the reduced-pressure aperture. Other systems, devices, and methods are disclosed.