Negative Pressure Wound Closure Device with Collapsing Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wound closure techniques face challenges in effectively managing wounds with non-aligned margins, particularly in amputations and ulcers, due to issues like wound dehiscence, infection, and uneven tissue healing, where traditional methods struggle to apply sufficient force for closure and drainage.
Innovation Solution
A negative pressure wound closure system utilizing a collapsing structure with compressive elements and scale-like features that apply directed force to align and close wound margins, using a combination of negative pressure and a compression structure with hinged cells and tissue anchors to facilitate closure without sutures, if possible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional suturing methods are used to close large wound gaps, then wound closure can be achieved, but the recovery period is extended and complications such as infection and wound dehiscence increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using negative pressure wound therapy to pre-close wound margins and promote tissue approximation before final closure. The NPWT system creates sustained negative pressure that draws wound edges together, preparing the wound for faster and more reliable closure while reducing the gap that would otherwise require extensive suturing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatics through the negative pressure wound therapy system, which employs a vacuum source to create negative pressure within the wound cavity. This pneumatic mechanism continuously removes exudate and draws wound margins together, accelerating closure while maintaining a clean, controlled environment that reduces infection risk and improves healing reliability.
2Ease of operation
If manual suturing is performed to close wounds with large gaps, then wound margins can be approximated, but ongoing medical attention is required to prevent complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the NPWT system, which autonomously maintains negative pressure to continuously draw wound margins together and remove exudate without requiring constant manual intervention. The system self-regulates the closure process, reducing the need for repeated medical visits for suture adjustments and complication management, thereby saving time while maintaining ease of operation through programmable control.
3Force
If compression force is applied to tissue surrounding the wound, then wound margin approximation is facilitated, but drainage capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by distributing compression force through an array of independently controllable inflatable bladders positioned at different locations within the wound cavity. Each bladder can be inflated to a different pressure level, allowing localized compression where needed while maintaining open pathways for drainage in other areas. This spatially differentiated approach enables simultaneous application of compressive force and preservation of drainage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes segmentation by dividing the compression structure into multiple separate inflatable bladders rather than using a single continuous compression element. This segmentation allows different regions of the wound to receive differentiated compression forces, and ensures that drainage pathways remain accessible by not completely collapsing the wound cavity. The segmented structure can be selectively inflated or deflated to balance compression and drainage needs.
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 efficiently aligns and closes wound margins by applying differential force, promoting healing and preventing complications like seroma formation and infection, while allowing for fluid drainage and reducing the need for sutures in aligned wounds.
Implementation Method 1
a negative pressure source and a collapsing structure that is placed on the wound to provide directed preferential closure
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods of the present application can accelerate and reduce medical complications associated with healing of non-planar wounds such as amputation wounds. The devices and methods utilize a collapsing structure and negative pressure to cause the shaped wound to preferentially close. The structure can accommodate movement over curved tissue surfaces, which can utilize scales or interleaved elements to provide efficient wound closure along arcuate paths. This structure can enable gradual closure from the deepest portion of the wound to the shallowest portion.