Umbilical Splint with Bulbous Section for Scar Contracture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for counteracting scar contracture and infection after abdominal surgery, such as using marbles or foam earplugs, are ineffective in maintaining the shape of the umbilicus and pose risks due to sterility and porous materials.
Innovation Solution
An umbilical splint designed to be inserted into the umbilicus during surgery, featuring a bulbous section for applying constant pressure and a retaining section to maintain the splint in place, combined with a silicone gel sheet and slow-release antibiotic covering to prevent infection and promote healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a marble is used to counteract scar contracture forces, then the umbilicus shape can be maintained, but the device is difficult to keep in place and sterility cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a retention flange for securing the device, a bulbous section for maintaining umbilicus shape, and a porous section for antibiotic delivery. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively while ensuring overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention flange acts as an intermediary element that secures the device to the umbilical opening, preventing displacement. The flange provides a reliable anchoring mechanism that ensures the device remains in place throughout the healing process, addressing the retention reliability issue.
2Shape
If a foam earplug is used to counteract scar contracture forces, then the umbilicus shape can be maintained, but the porous nature can lead to infection
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the device have different material properties tailored to their specific functions: the retention flange is made of non-porous material for infection prevention, the bulbous section provides shape maintenance, and the porous section is specifically designed for antibiotic delivery. This local differentiation of material qualities allows the device to maintain shape while preventing infection.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes composite construction with sections of different porosity levels. The non-porous retention flange prevents bacterial entry, while the controlled-porous antibiotic delivery section releases medication. This composite material approach resolves the contradiction between shape maintenance and infection prevention.
3Shape
If a rigid splint is used to counteract scar contracture forces, then the umbilicus shape can be maintained, but comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs local quality differentiation where the retention flange provides rigid structural support for shape maintenance, while the bulbous and porous sections use softer, more compliant materials that are comfortable for prolonged patient wear. This localized variation in material rigidity resolves the contradiction between shape maintenance and comfort.
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 umbilical splint effectively counters scar contracture, reduces the risk of infection, and improves the cosmetic appearance of the umbilicus by maintaining an aesthetically pleasing shape and size, while promoting healing through constant pressure and silicone application.
Implementation Method 1
The bulbous section is operable to apply pressure to a tissue of the umbilicus after the abdominal operation
Implementation Method 2
a silicone gel sheet may be applied to the splint following suture removal to improve the overall cosmesis (i.e. physical appearance) of the scar
Implementation Method 3
a slow-release antibiotic covering or medicament may be used to decrease the chances of wound infection
Data Source
AI summary
A use of an umbilical splint for shaping an umbilicus after an abdominal operation is described. The umbilical splint may comprise an insertion portion extending in a longitudinal direction and terminating at an insertion end for insertion into the umbilicus. Furthermore, the insertion portion may comprise a bulbous section near the insertion end. The bulbous section may be operable to apply pressure to a tissue of the umbilicus after the abdominal operation. The insertion portion may have different cross-sectional shapes including circular and oval. Finally, the insertion portion may be configured to engage the umbilicus such that the umbilical splint is retained within the umbilicus.