Topical Antibacterial Composition for Shoulder Surgery Infection Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Despite the use of skin preparation solutions and barrier drapes, Propionibacterium acnes infections remain a significant problem in shoulder surgeries, indicating a need for effective methods to reduce the risk of post-operative infections.

Innovation Solution

Topical administration of antibacterial compositions containing clindamycin or erythromycin, or their combination, applied pre-, intra-, and post-operatively, along with surgically impregnated drapes, to prevent Propionibacterium acnes infections during and after shoulder surgeries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If skin preparation solutions and barrier drapes are used, then the surgical site is protected from contamination, but Propionibacterium acnes infections still occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfection prevention effectivenessVSAvoidPropionibacterium acnes contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patient applies topical antibacterial composition to the operative site multiple times before surgery (e.g., nightly for several days prior), performing the cleaning action in advance to reduce bacterial load before the surgical procedure begins

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The antibacterial treatment continues throughout the surgical process with intra-operative application and post-operative dressing impregnation, maintaining continuous antibacterial protection rather than a single discrete action

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 3:

The antibacterial composition is applied specifically to the operative site and surrounding skin areas where Propionibacterium acnes is most likely to be present, providing targeted treatment rather than systemic approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional skin preparation and barrier drapes are used, then standard infection control is maintained, but post-operative Propionibacterium acnes infections remain a significant problem

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical preparation simplicityVSAvoidinfection prevention success rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patient performs the pre-operative skin preparation themselves by applying the topical antibacterial composition at home, eliminating the need for additional surgical staff time and simplifying the surgical team's tasks while improving infection prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The infection prevention process is divided into distinct segments: pre-operative patient-applied topical treatment, intra-operative surgical team application, and post-operative impregnated dressings, with each segment targeting different aspects of contamination risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10835547B2Methods and materials for reducing the risk of infections

Publication Date: 2020.11.17 MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION & RESEARCH

AI summary

This document relates to methods and materials for reducing the risk of infection after a shoulder surgery or medical procedure. For example, this document relates to methods and materials for using a topical composition containing clindamycin or erythromycin to reduce the risk of or to prevent infection associated with shoulder surgeries or medical procedures.