Tissue Expander for Scarless Neo-Umbilicus Creation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current umbilical repositioning techniques in abdominoplasty often result in visible scars, hypertrophic scars, keloids, umbilical stenosis, and wound breakdown due to high tension on incisions, making it challenging to achieve a naturally appearing umbilicus without scars.
Innovation Solution
A novel tissue expander device that can be anchored to the abdominal skin and expanded to grow a skin tube, which is then inverted and secured to the abdominal wall fascia, creating a scarless, natural-appearing neo-umbilicus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional umbilical repositioning techniques with periumbilical incisions are used, then the umbilicus can be repositioned, but visible scars and hypertrophic scars occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the problematic periumbilical incision from the surgical procedure. By using a closed umbilical plasty technique where the umbilical stalk is repositioned without making an incision around the umbilicus, the source of visible scarring is eliminated while the umbilical repositioning function is preserved
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the traditional approach by closing the umbilical opening from the inside rather than making an incision from the outside. The periumbilical incision is eliminated, and instead the umbilical stalk is mobilized and repositioned through subcutaneous dissection, with the skin closure occurring away from the umbilical margin
2Adaptability or versatility
If periumbilical incisions are made for umbilical transposition, then the umbilicus can be moved to a new position, but wound breakdown and dyschromia occur due to interrupted blood flow
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful periumbilical incision that interrupts blood flow is extracted and removed from the surgical technique. The invention uses a closure technique that avoids incising through the umbilical stalk and its blood supply, thereby preventing wound breakdown and dyschromia while still achieving umbilical repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary subcutaneous dissection and mobilization of the umbilical stalk before final repositioning. This preliminary action allows the umbilical stalk to be freed from its attachments while preserving its blood supply, enabling safe repositioning without compromising wound healing
3Manufacturing precision
If closed-loop periumbilical incisions are used, then the umbilicus can be repositioned, but scar cicatrization causing umbilical stenosis occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The closed-loop periumbilical incision that causes scar cicatrization and umbilical stenosis is extracted and eliminated. The invention uses a linear closure technique away from the umbilical margin that does not create a constricting ring around the umbilicus, thereby preventing umbilical stenosis while achieving repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the closure approach by closing the periumbilical wound with a linear incision rather than a circular incision. This inversion prevents the formation of a constricting scar ring that would cause umbilical stenosis, while still allowing effective umbilical repositioning
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different abdominal skin incision designs are used for umbilical transposition, then various repositioning outcomes can be achieved, but the complexity of the surgical procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal closed umbilical plasty technique that can achieve various umbilical repositioning outcomes regardless of the original umbilical position or the desired final position. This single versatile technique eliminates the need for multiple different incision designs while maintaining adaptability to different surgical needs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the complexity associated with selecting and executing multiple different incision designs. By using a single closed plasty technique with standardized closure away from the umbilicus, the decision-making process and surgical complexity are significantly reduced while maintaining repositioning effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
An aperture device has a tapered shaft with a first end opposite a second end, a first expansion structure connected to the second end of the tapered shaft, and a base plate affixed to the second end of the first expansion structure. The tapered shaft has a sharp apex at the first end of the aperture device to facilitate penetration of the abdominal skin, allowing the aperture device to pierce through the tissue. Once inserted, one or more expansion structures function by applying outward pressure or mechanical stretching. This is achieved through a fixed geometric shape that gradually enlarges the opening as the device is inserted further, allowing for a controlled widening of the aperture. The formation of a circular aperture allows for the extraction of the patient's umbilicus through the circular aperture, where the patient's umbilicus may be positioned and secured.