Vascular Closure Device with Antimicrobial Polymer Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vascular closure devices are prone to bacterial colonization, leading to surgical site infections, as bacteria can attach to and form biofilms on these devices, making post-operative infections challenging to treat and increasing treatment costs.
Innovation Solution
Development of bioabsorbable vascular closure medical devices incorporating therapeutic and antimicrobial agents, such as halogenated hydroxyl ethers and silver-containing compounds, which are dispersed throughout the device or coated on its surface, to inhibit bacterial colonization and create an antimicrobial environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vascular closure devices are used in surgical procedures, then vascular punctures can be closed effectively, but bacterial colonization and surgical site infections occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating antimicrobial agents into the vascular closure device before surgical use. The device is pre-loaded with antimicrobial properties through the polymer matrix and surface coating, creating an antimicrobial environment before bacteria can colonize. This proactive approach prevents bacterial attachment and biofilm formation while maintaining effective closure functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining bioabsorbable polymers with antimicrobial agents to create a vascular closure device that has both structural integrity and antimicrobial properties. The composite structure integrates the mechanical closure function with the antimicrobial therapeutic effect, allowing the device to prevent bacterial colonization while effectively closing vascular punctures.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If antimicrobial agents are incorporated into vascular closure devices, then bacterial colonization is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antimicrobial function with the structural body of the vascular closure device by incorporating antimicrobial agents directly into the polymer matrix and surface coating. This integration combines multiple functions (closure and antimicrobial protection) into a single unified device structure, avoiding the need for separate antimicrobial components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition and physical properties of the polymer matrix to incorporate antimicrobial agents. Through controlled incorporation methods, the antimicrobial properties are integrated at the molecular level, maintaining device simplicity while achieving effective bacterial colonization prevention.
3Reliability
If bioabsorbable polymers are used for vascular closure devices, then the device can be absorbed by the body, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting and processing bioabsorbable polymers within specific temperature and time ranges to achieve the desired balance between biocompatibility and manufacturability. By controlling processing parameters, the polymer is formed with the necessary precision while maintaining its bioabsorbable properties, allowing the device to be absorbed by the body without requiring excessive manufacturing complexity.
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 incorporation of antimicrobial agents significantly reduces the risk of bacterial colonization and subsequent infections, providing a safer and more effective closure mechanism for vascular punctures during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The occurrence of SSIs is often associated with bacteria that can colonize on implantable medical devices used in surgery. During a surgical procedure, bacteria from the surrounding atmosphere may enter the surgical site and attach to the medical device. Specifically, bacteria can spread by using the implanted medical device as a pathway to surrounding tissue.
Implementation Method 2
The primary mode of infection associated with medical device is attachment of microorganisms to the device followed by growth and formation of a biofilm on the device.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making a biocompatible, implantable medical device, including a vascular closure device is disclosed. The method includes forming a biocompatible polymer into at least one fiber and randomly orienting the at least one fiber into a fibrous structure having at least one interstitial spaces. Polymeric materials may be utilized to fabricate any of these devices. The polymeric materials may include additives such as drugs or other bioactive agents as well as antibacterial agents. In such instances, at least one agent, in therapeutic dosage, is incorporated into at least one of the fibrous structure and the at least one fiber.