Compressible soft tissue prostheses and related methods

Abstract

Implantable prostheses and related methods are generally described. In some embodiments, the prosthesis may be used for soft tissue reconstruction. The prosthesis may be formed as a three-dimensional load-bearing porous scaffold having an interconnected pore network that allows tissue infiltration and enables autologous tissue, blood vessels, and cells to settle into the scaffold. In some embodiments, the scaffold is formed from a biodegradable material that degrades during the tissue infiltration process, leaving behind autologous tissue. In some embodiments, the scaffold is formed from a triple-periodic minimal surface, such as a gyroid, which may allow for high compressibility and high porosity. The compressibility of the implant may mimic the mechanical behavior of natural tissue and may allow for the delivery of the implant through a small incision site (e.g., using an implant delivery funnel).

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