Reduced-Pressure Wound Closing Bolster with Pivotable Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of staples or sutures to close acute wounds can lead to uneven tension across the wound, influencing scarring, healing time, and wound strength due to gaps between mechanical closing devices.
Innovation Solution
A reduced-pressure, linear-wound closing bolster system that includes a pivotable frame with a manifold member and gripping members to apply a uniform closing force to wound edges, utilizing reduced pressure to contract and approximate wound edges tightly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If staples or sutures are used to close acute wounds, then the wound edges can be proximated, but gaps or areas of low stress occur between the mechanical closing devices resulting in uneven tension distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical closing devices (staples and sutures) with a reduced-pressure system that uses negative pressure to approximate wound edges. The bolster device with manifold applies uniform distributed pressure across the entire wound surface, eliminating the discrete, uneven force distribution of mechanical devices. This substitution transforms the closing mechanism from localized mechanical punctures to a continuous pressure field.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs reduced pressure (negative pressure) delivered through a manifold system to approximate wound edges. The bolster device includes a manifold with multiple ports that distribute reduced pressure uniformly across the wound surface, creating even tension distribution without the gaps characteristic of mechanical closing devices. This pneumatic approach allows continuous force application rather than discrete mechanical attachment points.
2Productivity
If staples or sutures are used to close wounds, then mechanical closing is achieved, but scarring and healing time are influenced by the uneven stress distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the discrete mechanical closing action of staples and sutures with a continuous reduced-pressure system that maintains uniform approximation of wound edges throughout the healing process. This substitution eliminates the stress concentration points and gaps created by mechanical devices, leading to more uniform tissue healing and reduced scarring.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of pressure distribution from discrete, high-stress points (mechanical devices) to a continuous, uniform pressure field (reduced pressure). By controlling the pressure parameter uniformly across the entire wound surface through the manifold system, the device optimizes healing conditions and minimizes harmful effects like scarring.
3Manufacturing precision
If a reduced-pressure system with pivotable frame and manifold is used, then uniform closing force is applied to wound edges, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pivotable frame structure that allows the bolster to adapt dynamically to the contours of the wound and surrounding tissue. The frame can pivot and adjust its configuration to maintain uniform contact and pressure distribution across irregular wound surfaces, achieving precise closure without requiring a completely rigid and complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into modular components including a pivotable frame, manifold with multiple ports, and removable bolster elements. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, and adjustment while maintaining the overall function of uniform pressure application. The modular design reduces complexity by breaking down the system into manageable, standardized parts.
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 system enhances wound strength, reduces scarring, and shortens healing time by ensuring consistent tension across the wound edges, addressing the uneven closure issues of traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The manifold member contracts when placed under a reduced pressure
Implementation Method 2
a reduced-pressure subsystem for delivering a reduced pressure to the sealing subsystem. The sealing subsystem and reduced-pressure subsystem are operable to deliver a reduced pressure to the closing bolster, and the closing bolster is operable under reduced pressure to go to the compressed position and thereby develop an inward force
Data Source
AI summary
A reduced-pressure, linear-wound closing bolster has a pivotable frame that moves from an extended position to a compressed position under the influence of reduced pressure. The closing bolster may have a first closing member, a second closing member, and an interior space. A manifold member is disposed within the interior space and may be coupled to the pivotable frame. When a reduced pressure is applied, the pivotable frame is urged from the extended position to the compressed position. A first gripping member for transmitting a closing force from the first closing member to a first edge of a linear wound may be attached. Likewise, a second gripping member for transmitting a closing force from the second closing member to a second edge of the linear wound may be attached. Systems and methods are also presented.