An autonomous infuser for a subcutaneous skin expander

Abstract

Introduction: Skin expansion is a physiological process defined as the ability of human skin to increase its superficial area in response to a stress or given deformation. In reconstructive surgery, skin expanders are implanted beneath the skin and periodically infiltrated with a saline solution to provide an extra flap of skin. When the prescribed internal volume of the expander is reached, reconstructive surgery is performed. Methods: A semiautomatic and portable device was developed and built to facilitate a skin expansion procedure. The device aims to simplify the infiltration process, providing mobility and independence to the patient and assuring the physician of the infiltration quality and precision. The device also enables continuous expansion in hospitalized patients. Results: Using a code, the doctor accesses the menu of the device and sets the maximum pressure and/or value for each expander of the patient. The patient can control the infiltration velocity and reverse or stop the operation. All data are recorded on a simcard and include date, time, initial and final volumes, and initial and final pressures of each procedure for each expander. Conclusions: The device motorizes and optimizes the expansion, allowing the doctor to prescribe a maximum infiltration pressure or volume. All data are recorded to provide an important database of skin behavior related to sex, race, age, and expansion site.