Zipper Wound Closure Mesh for Precise Tissue Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wound closure mechanisms, such as sutures, tape, and glue, often result in poor registration of opposing wound faces, leading to scarring, irregular scarring, and other healing complications, and are prone to infection or premature removal.
Innovation Solution
A wound closure device comprising a bonding layer, a closure layer with a selective joining member (e.g., a zipper), and a closure securement device to maintain alignment and prevent unwanted opening, utilizing a structural mesh adherable to tissue with a zipper that can be selectively opened and closed for incision access and healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional closure mechanisms (sutures, tape, glue) are used, then the wound can be closed, but poor registration of opposing wound faces occurs leading to scarring and irregular scarring
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into distinct segments: a bonding layer with adhesive properties for tissue attachment, a closure layer containing the selective joining member (zipper mechanism), and a securement device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the zipper providing precise alignment and the bonding layer ensuring stable attachment, thereby achieving superior wound face registration and minimizing scarring.
2Reliability
If conventional closure mechanisms are used, then the wound can be closed, but the closure is prone to infection and inadvertent premature removal
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding layer is applied to the tissue adjacent to the incision site before the incision is made or immediately afterward. This preliminary bonding action secures the closure system in place, preventing premature removal and reducing the risk of infection by establishing a stable, protected environment for wound healing before any potential complications can arise.
3Ease of operation
If a selective joining member (zipper) is used, then the passage can be selectively opened and closed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical zipper mechanism is replaced with a simplified selective joining member that functions similarly but with reduced complexity. The joining member can be selectively engaged and disengaged to open and close the passage, providing the necessary functionality without the intricate tooth-and-slider mechanism of a traditional zipper, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
4Reliability
If the bonding layer is made adherable to tissue, then the closure can be secured, but the ease of removal for cutting may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding layer exhibits dynamic adhesive properties: it provides strong adhesion to tissue to secure the closure in place during healing, but can be selectively removed or cut when needed. The bonding layer's adhesive strength is sufficient to maintain closure stability but allows for controlled removal by cutting instruments introduced through the passage, balancing securement reliability with operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for closing a wound. The system provides a substrate that attaches to a tissue. For instance, the substrate may be a mesh. The substrate supports a zipper. The zipper may be opened to provide access to the tissue for access to a wound, or for forming an incision. The zipper may be closed to compress the tissue adjacent to the wound or incision in order to close the wound or incision for healing.