Vacuum Closure Device Contractile Force Generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current topical negative pressure systems are inadequate for generating significant contractile forces parallel to the tissue surface, particularly for shallow or incisional wounds, as they primarily produce compressive forces perpendicular to the tissue surface, which is sub-optimal for wound closure in these cases.
Innovation Solution
A tissue covering element with a geometry that includes a bridging portion with a higher ratio of internal surfaces non-parallel to the tissue surface, allowing for the generation of significant contractile forces when under reduced pressure, achieved through the use of corrugated or concertina-folded structures that maintain flexibility and rigidity, ensuring effective wound closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional tissue covering element with surfaces substantially parallel to the tissue surface is used, then compressive forces perpendicular to the tissue surface are generated, but contractile forces parallel to the tissue surface are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by creating a vacuum cavity with internal surfaces that are substantially non-parallel to the tissue surface. This dimensional change allows the generation of contractile forces parallel to the tissue surface, which cannot be achieved with conventional two-dimensional parallel surface configurations. The non-parallel internal surfaces redirect the vacuum pressure to produce horizontal contractile forces in addition to vertical compressive forces.
2Force
If the internal surfaces of the vacuum cavity are made substantially non-parallel to the tissue surface, then contractile forces parallel to the tissue surface are generated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible thin film materials for the tissue covering element that can be molded into complex three-dimensional shapes with non-parallel internal surfaces. The flexibility of these thin films allows them to conform to the desired geometry while maintaining structural integrity under vacuum pressure, thereby achieving the force generation goal without excessive device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes curved and domed geometries for the vacuum cavity, where the internal surfaces are substantially non-parallel to the tissue surface. This curvature approach simplifies the manufacturing process compared to complex angular shapes while still achieving the necessary force vector redirection to generate contractile forces parallel to the tissue surface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard foam sheets are cut to shape at the site of application, then adaptability to wound geometry is improved, but manufacturing precision and consistency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-molding the tissue covering element with the optimal non-parallel internal surface geometry before clinical use. This pre-formed geometry ensures consistent force generation characteristics while the flexible material allows adaptation to different wound shapes and sizes, combining manufacturing precision with clinical adaptability.
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 tissue covering element effectively generates contractile forces parallel to the tissue surface, facilitating wound closure by directing forces towards the center of the vacuum cavity, suitable for both flat and convex tissue surfaces, enhancing the efficacy of wound healing.
Implementation Method 1
connecting a distal end of the aspirant conduit to a vacuum source such as an electrically driven vacuum pump, for example, to create a pressure lower than the surrounding ambient atmospheric pressure within the wound cavity
Implementation Method 2
the geometry of the covering elements favours the application of contractile forces over compressive or extensive forces at the tissue interface
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to the design of tissue covering elements for use in vacuum assisted tissue apposition systems, wherein the geometry of the covering elements favours the application of contractile forces over compressive or extensive forces at the tissue interface.