Tissue Edge Retraction Device for Space-Saving Wound Closure

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for reducing retraction of tissue edges in open soft tissue defects require significant space and restrict patient mobility, making it difficult to achieve closure and complicate care routines, particularly in intensive care scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A device with a base body, retraction elements, and a clamping element that allows controlled, continuous movement of tissue edges to facilitate closure, using mechanisms like springs or motors to apply predefined forces, minimizing space requirements and enabling patient repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing retraction devices are used to reduce tissue edge retraction, then the retraction of edges is reduced, but the device requires significant space and restricts patient mobility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretraction reduction effectivenessVSAvoiddevice space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple independent retraction elements (at least two) that can be separately attached to different edges of the tissue structure. Each retraction element operates independently to pull its associated edge, allowing the device to achieve effective retraction reduction without requiring a single large centralized mechanism, thus reducing overall device volume and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If existing retraction devices are used to reduce tissue edge retraction, then the retraction of edges is reduced, but patient repositioning is significantly restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretraction reduction effectivenessVSAvoidpatient repositioning capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retraction elements are designed with dynamic attachment mechanisms that allow for easy connection and disconnection to the tissue edges. This dynamic design enables the device to be adjusted or removed without significant restriction to patient repositioning, as the elements can be quickly detached or reconfigured during patient care routines, unlike fixed rigid retraction systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If existing retraction devices are used, then edge retraction is reduced, but closure of the tissue structure is not facilitated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretraction reductionVSAvoidclosure facilitation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device combines both retraction reduction and edge approximation functions into a single integrated system. The retraction elements not only prevent edge retraction but also actively pull the edges toward each other to facilitate closure. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate retraction and closure devices, directly addressing the productivity goal of facilitating tissue structure closure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If existing retraction devices are used, then edge retraction is reduced, but care routines and hygiene practices are made more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretraction reductionVSAvoidcare routine accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retraction elements are designed to be easily removable or adjustable during care routines. This allows healthcare providers to temporarily detach or reconfigure the elements when performing hygiene practices or care activities, then reattach them afterward. This temporary discarding and recovering capability maintains retraction reduction effectiveness while restoring ease of care routine performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 reduces tissue retraction, facilitates closure, and enhances patient care by allowing normal routines and hygiene practices without excessive space usage.

Implementation Method 1

the clamping element is designed and arranged in such a way that the at least one retraction element can be moved by means of the clamping element, in particular continuously and/or with a predefined constant force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a clamping element, wherein the clamping element is designed and arranged in such a way that the at least one retraction element can be moved by means of the clamping element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20260020852A1Device for reducing the retraction of the edges and/or for stretching the edges of an opened tissue structure

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 ZACZEK MEDIZINTECHNIK UG

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for reducing the retraction of the edges and/or for stretching the edges of an opened tissue structure of a patient with an open soft tissue defect, whereby the device has at least a base body, at least one retraction element for retracting and attaching to the edges of the opened tissue structure and a clamping element, wherein the clamping element is designed and arranged in such a way that the at least one retraction element can be moved by means of the clamping element in such a way that the edges of the opened tissue structure are at least partially brought together. The present invention further relates to a wound care system, comprising at least one such device and a vacuum dressing system, wherein the vacuum dressing system comprises at least one foam sheet dressing and a vacuum pump.