Extracellular Matrix Tissue Prostheses

Abstract

Tissue prostheses having a base structure and a physiological sensor system. The tissue prostheses are adapted and configured to induce remodeling of damaged tissue and regeneration of new tissue and concurrently detect and monitor physiological characteristics when implanted in the subject.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 16 / 369,174, filed on Mar. 29, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15 / 652,566, filed on Jul. 18, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14 / 571,639, filed on Dec. 16, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,744,264, which is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 13 / 896,424, filed on May 17, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,283,302, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13 / 573,566, filed on Sep. 24, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,066,993, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13 / 328,287, filed on Dec. 16, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,532,943.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for repairing damaged or diseased biological structures. More particularly, the present invention relates to tissue prostheses for treating and / or reconstructing damaged or diseased biologi...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, despite the growing sophistication of medical technology, the use of prostheses to treat or replace damaged biological tissue remains a frequent and serious problem in health care.

The problem is often associated with the materials employed to construct the prostheses.

Metallic mesh structures are, however, prone to fragmentation, which can, and in many instances will, occur after the first year of administration.

Synthetic mesh structures are, however, typically non-resorbable and susceptibility to infection.

A major problem associated with Marlex®, i.e. polypropylene, mesh structures is that with scar contracture, polypropylene mesh structures become distorted and separate from surrounding normal tissue.

A major problem associated with Gore-Tex®, i.e. polytetrafluoroethylene, mesh structures is that in a contaminated wound it does not allow for any macromolecular drainage, which limits treatment of infections.

There are, however, several significant drawbacks and disadvantages associated with the conventional methods.

A major drawback associated with conventional sensor systems and associated methods is that conventional sensor systems are typically configured to monitor a single biological characteristic, e.g., pulse rate.

A further drawback associated with conventional sensor systems and associated methods is that the sensor systems are typically configured to monitor a biological characteristic, e.g., cardiac pre-load, externally.

A further drawback associated with conventional sensor systems is that such systems typically comprise one or more of the aforementioned polymeric and / or metallic materials.

Thus, when such systems are implanted in a subject, the systems can, and in many instances will, induce adverse side effects, e.g., inflammation and infection.

Additional drawbacks associated with conventional sensor systems are that such systems typically comprise a rigid mechanical structure, which is often difficult to couple to soft, dynamic tissue structures, and bulky internal power systems that increase the size of the system and limits system life.

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