Microstructure-based systems, apparatus, and methods for wound closure
AssigneeKitoTech Medical, Inc.
InventorsCheuk Yin Paul Leung, Ronald J. Berenson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems, apparatus, and methods related to wound closure devices comprising one or more microstructures are described herein. In some embodiments, the wound closure devices include a backing and a microstructure array. The microstructure array may include a first portion, a second portion, and a bridge portion. The first portion and the second portion each include one or more microstructures configured to penetrate tissue. Additionally, the first portion and the second portion each include one or more expandable portions such that the wound closure device is configured to expand in length. The wound closure device is configured to grip tissue surrounding a wound to either close the wound or secure the tissue in place.
Claims20
A method of treating a wound in a tissue of a patient, the method comprising:
- affixing a first array of microstructures extending from a first portion of a planar base to a first side of the wound;
- tensioning the planar base to apply a first tension on a first plurality of spring structures associated with the first array of microstructures;
- affixing a second array of microstructures extending from a second portion of the planar base to a second side of the wound, the second portion of the planar base coupled to the first portion with a non-elastic bridge portion;
- and
- releasing, as a result of affixing the second array, the first tension on the first plurality of spring structures to generate a second tension on the first plurality of spring structures and a second plurality of spring structures associated with the second array of microstructures.
A method of applying a wound closure device, the method comprising:
- attaching a first microstructure within a first portion of the wound closure device to a first side of a wound in a portion of skin of a patient;
- stretching the wound closure device across the wound to a second side, wherein stretching the wound closure device applies a first tension to a first elastic portion coupled to the first microstructure within the first portion;
- attaching a second microstructure within a second portion of the wound closure device to the second side of the wound;
- and
- releasing, concurrently to attaching the second microstructure, the first tension on the first elastic portion to produce a second tension on the first elastic portion and a second elastic portion coupled to the second microstructure.
A method of treating a wound in a tissue of a patient using a monolithic structure including a first portion coupled to a second portion across a non-elastic bridge portion, the method comprising:
- attaching a first array of microstructures extending from the first portion of the monolithic structure to a first side of the wound;
- tensioning the monolithic structure to apply a first tension on a first plurality of spring structures associated with the first array of microstructures;
- attaching a second array of microstructures extending from the second portion of the monolithic structure to a second side of the wound;
- and
- releasing, as a result of attaching the second array, the first tension on the first plurality of spring structures to generate a second tension on the first plurality of spring structures and a second plurality of spring structures associated with the second array of microstructures.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.