Wound Closure Device With Hook-Like Retaining Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wound closure methods are inadequate for quickly and easily closing complex wounds, often result in tissue trauma, require significant materials, and pose risks of infection and scarring, while being unsuitable for magnetic resonance and computed tomography due to metallic components and having low tensile strength for weeping wounds.
Innovation Solution
A reversible wound closure system featuring band-like holding elements with hook-like structures and a net-like covering element, which can be adjusted and adapted, using liquid-retaining or liquid-repellent means to prevent fluid penetration, and optionally a gas and water vapor permeable film for moisture regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wound closure methods (staples, sutures, adhesives) are used, then wound closure is achieved, but tissue trauma increases, infection risk rises, and scarring occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a foam spacer as an intermediary element that prevents direct contact between the adhesive strip and the wound surface. The foam layer acts as a mediator, allowing the adhesive to bond the wound edges together while maintaining a physical barrier that prevents the adhesive and strip elements from traumatizing the wound bed, thus reducing tissue damage and infection risk while maintaining closure effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible foam spacer with adhesive properties that conforms to the wound geometry. This flexible foam layer provides a protective interface between the rigid adhesive strip and the soft tissue, allowing adaptation to various wound shapes while preventing direct trauma from the strip structure to the wound surface
2Reliability
If a large number of anchoring elements are used to close the wound with constant tension, then wound closure effectiveness improves, but the application process becomes time-consuming and tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the adhesive strip incorporates both the tensioning element and the anchoring mechanism in one continuous piece. The foam spacer is integrated directly into the adhesive strip structure, eliminating the need for separate anchoring elements. This merging reduces the number of discrete components from multiple anchoring elements to a single continuous strip system, significantly reducing application time while maintaining constant tension across the entire wound length
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive strip serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides tension to close the wound, adheres to the skin to anchor the closure, and the integrated foam spacer prevents direct contact with the wound. This multi-functionality in a single component eliminates the need for separate anchoring elements and reduces the overall complexity and application time of the wound closure system
3Reliability
If adhesive strips are applied directly to the wound surface, then wound closure is achieved, but contact between strip elements and wound increases infection risk and causes trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The foam spacer serves as an intermediary barrier between the adhesive strip and the wound surface. It allows the adhesive to effectively bond the wound edges while preventing the strip elements and adhesive from directly contacting the wound bed, thus eliminating the infection risk and tissue trauma associated with direct contact while maintaining closure effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible foam spacer creates a protective interface that conforms to the wound geometry while maintaining a physical barrier. This thin foam layer is sufficient to prevent contact between the rigid strip structure and the soft tissue, reducing trauma and infection risk while allowing the adhesive forces to effectively close the wound
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
Enables quick and flexible closure of wounds, reduces tissue trauma, minimizes infection risk, and maintains hygiene, suitable for various wound types and courses, including complex ones, without engaging directly with the wound, thus preventing scarring and facilitating wound healing.
Implementation Method 1
The holding element has a plurality of hook-like elements on at least part of at least one of its two sides... the hook-like elements of the holding element and the meshes present in the covering element are designed and/or arranged in such a way that the wound can be reversibly closed by positive engagement of at least some of the hook-like elements in the meshes
Implementation Method 2
The holding element has liquid-retaining and/or liquid-repellent means on at least one of its two edges running in the longitudinal direction... With the help of such means, penetration of wound fluid, blood or the like from the wound into the hook structure of the holding element is reduced or prevented
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to an adjustable wound closure device for closing wounds, comprising at least one band- or strip-like retaining element provided for attachment in the region of at least one edge of a wound. The retaining element comprises a plurality of hook-like elements at least on part of at least one of the two sides thereof. The wound closure device further comprises at least one gauze-like cover element, which is intended to substantially completely cover the wound and the edge regions provided with the retaining element. According to the invention, the hook-like elements of the retaining element and the mesh of the cover element are designed and disposed such that the wound can be reversibly closed by a positive engagement of at least part of the hook-like elements in the mesh.