Tissue Joining Scaffold with Discrete Adhesive Passages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for joining tissue layers using adhesives face issues with non-uniform adhesive distribution, leading to variability in thickness and potential tissue necrosis, resulting in slower healing and incomplete bonding.
Innovation Solution
A flexible scaffold with discrete passages for adhesive delivery and direct tissue contact, allowing for uniform adhesive application and bonding at specific points, while enabling direct contact between tissue layers through open passages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If liquid adhesive is dispensed on one layer of tissue from a dispenser, then adhesive application is simplified, but uniform distribution of adhesive between tissue layers cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application system is segmented into multiple discrete components: a scaffold with multiple passages arranged in a pattern, with each passage delivering adhesive to a specific location. This segmentation allows uniform distribution across the tissue surface while maintaining ease of operation through a single application step.
Solution Approach 2:
The scaffold acts as an intermediary device between the adhesive source and the tissue layers. It contains and directs the adhesive through its passage structure, ensuring uniform distribution patterns that would be difficult to achieve through direct dispenser-to-tissue application.
2Strength
If a thick layer of adhesive is applied between tissue layers, then bonding strength is improved, but tissue necrosis may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is applied with local quality variation through the scaffold's passage pattern, creating discrete zones of adhesive concentration. This allows strong bonding at specific attachment points while maintaining thin or absent adhesive layers in between, preventing necrosis in areas where thick adhesive would be harmful.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer is segmented into discrete portions delivered through individual passages, rather than forming a continuous thick layer. This segmentation enables strong localized bonding while eliminating the harmful effects of excessive adhesive thickness that would cause tissue necrosis.
3Manufacturing precision
If complete separation of tissue layers by adhesive occurs, then uniform bonding is achieved, but healing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The scaffold creates local quality variations in the adhesive distribution, with concentrated adhesive at passage locations for bonding and open spaces between passages that allow tissue-to-tissue contact. This enables uniform bonding at attachment points while maintaining direct tissue contact in intervening areas to promote faster healing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges two opposing approaches: discrete adhesive bonding points and direct tissue contact areas. By combining these functions within a single scaffold structure, it achieves uniform bonding where needed while preserving healing pathways through open passages.
4Adaptability or versatility
If variable thickness of adhesive is used between tissue layers, then application flexibility is improved, but bonding reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application is segmented into controlled portions through the scaffold's passage array, providing flexibility in pattern selection while ensuring reliable, consistent adhesive delivery at each passage location. The segmented structure prevents the reliability issues associated with variable thickness by confining adhesive to defined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows parameter changes in the adhesive distribution pattern through different scaffold configurations, maintaining flexibility while ensuring reliable bonding through controlled adhesive confinement within passage structures that prevent unpredictable thickness variations.
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
This approach ensures faster and more effective tissue healing by providing uniform adhesive distribution and direct tissue contact, reducing the risk of necrosis and enhancing bonding strength.
Implementation Method 1
a flowable adhesive is applied onto the scaffold and the passages of the scaffold are filled with the adhesive; the scaffold is positioned on the first tissue with the first tissue in contact with the adhesive in the passages of the scaffold; the adhesive is polymerized and/or cross-linked in contact with the first and second tissues, thereby bonding the first and second tissues to each other through the scaffold at discrete points
Implementation Method 2
the adhesive is polymerized and/or cross-linked in contact with the first and second tissues
Implementation Method 3
the adhesive is polymerized and/or cross-linked in contact with the first and second tissues
Data Source
AI summary
A device for joining two layers of tissue, comprises a substantially flat and flexible scaffold having an upper surface, a lower surface and sidewalls; a plurality of first passages penetrating said scaffold from said upper surface to said lower surface; a plurality of second passages penetrating said scaffold from said upper surface to said lower surface; a substantially flat and flexible top cover releasably attached to said upper surface and covering all of said upper surface; said top cover having a plurality of top cover passages aligned with said first plurality of passages.