Tissue Expander With Integrated Fluid Collection Component
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drainage devices for tissue expanders are prone to clogging, uncomfortable for patients, and can lead to infection, while they do not effectively manage seroma formation and fluid accumulation during reconstruction procedures.
Innovation Solution
A tissue expander with a fluid collection component integrated into its design, which includes a laminate structure with a tear-resistant material and a fluid collection component that absorbs extracellular fluid, reducing the need for external drains and minimizing infection risk by collecting and retaining fluid until the expander is removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If external drainage devices are used to remove excess fluid, then fluid accumulation is reduced, but the risk of infection increases and patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tissue expander with an integrated fluid collection component, merging two separate devices (tissue expander and drainage system) into a single unified device. This eliminates the need for external drainage catheters and reduces infection risk by removing external access points, while simultaneously improving patient comfort by eliminating external drainage bags and tubing.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid collection component is integrated directly into the tissue expander structure, extracting the drainage function from separate external devices and incorporating it within the implanted device itself. This internal integration eliminates external drainage systems that cause discomfort and infection risk.
2Reliability
If traditional drainage devices are used, then fluid can be removed, but they are prone to clogging and require external access points
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated fluid collection component collects and contains fluid internally within the tissue expander structure, eliminating the need for external drainage systems, catheters, and access points. The device serves its own drainage function through internal collection chambers, reducing complexity and improving reliability by removing external components that can clog or become disconnected.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple separate devices are used (tissue expander and drainage system), then fluid management is possible, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tissue expander and fluid drainage system into a single integrated device. The fluid collection component is incorporated within the tissue expander structure, eliminating the need for separate drainage catheters, external bags, and multiple access points, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective fluid management.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions: tissue expansion and fluid collection/drainage. The tissue expander structure itself serves as the fluid collection container, eliminating the need for separate specialized drainage devices and reducing the total number of components required.
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 integrated fluid collection component effectively reduces fluid accumulation, minimizes seroma formation, and enhances patient comfort by eliminating the need for external drainage systems, thereby reducing the risk of infection and facilitating smoother recovery.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid collection component coupled to the expandable shell and configured to absorb extracellular fluid adjacent the tissue expander upon implantation
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue expander can be configured to collect extracellular fluid from within a patient’s body cavity. The tissue expander can be implanted into a subdermal cavity during a procedure, such as a breast reconstruction procedure, and facilitate the expansion of the subdermal cavity in preparation for placement of a final implant.