Adipose tissue regeneration base material

Abstract

This adipose tissue regeneration base material comprises a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion extends continuously between the first end portion and the second end portion, has a tubular shape having a constant outer diameter, and defines the interior space. The intermediate portion also has a plurality of openings contiguous to the internal space. The first end portion, the second end portion, and the intermediate portion each include a biodegradable material.

Description

Adipose tissue regeneration base material

[0001] The present disclosure relates to adipose tissue regeneration substrates.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a device for adipose tissue reconstruction. The device for adipose tissue reconstruction is used, for example, to reconstruct the breast (adipose tissue) by implanting it into a breast defect after removal of breast cancer lesion tissue. The device for adipose tissue reconstruction in Patent Document 1 is made of a biodegradable material and is configured to retain its strength for the period until the adipose tissue regenerates and the breast is reconstructed, and to be absorbed by the body after adipose tissue regeneration. This allows for the regeneration of autologous adipose tissue to be promoted without damaging the autologous tissue. Another advantage is that, unlike implants made of non-biodegradable materials, problems such as infection, allergies, and carcinogenesis do not occur.

[0003] Patent No. 6305357

[0004] The adipose tissue reconstruction device disclosed in Patent Document 1 comprises a pouch-shaped porous body containing polylactic acid, and a collagen-containing sponge housed within the internal space thereof. The longest width of the entire adipose tissue reconstruction device is approximately 1 to 15 cm, and the shortest width is approximately 1 to 10 cm. Implanting such adipose tissue reconstruction device requires one or more surgical incisions, which causes considerable physical and mental pain to the patient. From this perspective, there has been a demand for adipose tissue reconstruction device that can be implanted using a less invasive method, such as delivery via a cannula.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide an adipose tissue regeneration matrix that can be delivered via a cannula.

[0006] The adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion extends continuously between the first end and the second end, is tubular with a constant outer diameter, and defines an internal space. The intermediate portion also has a plurality of openings that communicate with the internal space. The first end, the second end, and the intermediate portion comprise a biodegradable material.

[0007] An adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is the adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to the first aspect, wherein the outer diameter of the intermediate portion is 10 mm or less.

[0008] An adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is the adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to the first or second aspect, wherein the biodegradable material includes a biodegradable polymer.

[0009] The adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure is an adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the intermediate portion is made of a wire material containing the biodegradable material and has a mesh shape that forms the plurality of openings.

[0010] The adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is an adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a stopper portion disposed at the first end.

[0011] The adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is an adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the outer diameter of the stopper portion is larger than the outer diameter of the intermediate portion.

[0012] An adipose tissue regeneration substrate set according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure comprises an adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to any one of the first to fourth aspects and a cannula defining an internal passage capable of accommodating at least a portion of the adipose tissue regeneration substrate, the internal diameter of the internal passage being the same as or larger than the outer diameter of the intermediate portion.

[0013] An adipose tissue regeneration substrate set according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure comprises the adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to the fifth aspect and a cannula defining an internal passage capable of accommodating at least a portion of the adipose tissue regeneration substrate. The internal diameter of the internal passage is the same as or larger than the external diameter of the intermediate portion. The adipose tissue regeneration substrate is accommodated in the internal passage such that the stopper portion is exposed to the outside from one end of the cannula.

[0014] The adipose tissue regeneration material set according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the adipose tissue regeneration material set according to the eighth aspect, wherein the outer diameter of the stopper portion is larger than the inner diameter of the internal passage.

[0015] In accordance with the present disclosure, an adipose tissue regeneration matrix is ​​provided that is deliverable via a cannula.

[0016] An overall perspective view of an adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to one embodiment. A partial plan view of an adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to a modified example. A plan view of an adipose tissue regeneration substrate set. A micrograph of an adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to an example. A plan view of an adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to a comparative example. A micrograph of a section of the substrate and surrounding tissue one month after being embedded in a living body. A micrograph of a section of the substrate and surrounding tissue three months after being embedded in a living body. A micrograph of a section of the substrate and surrounding tissue six months after being embedded in a living body.

[0017] An adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. For the sake of convenience, some components may be omitted from the drawings. Furthermore, the scales of the components shown in the drawings may not necessarily correspond to the actual scales of the components.

[0018] <1. Adipose Tissue Regeneration Base Material> Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of an adipose tissue regeneration base material 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "base material 1"). Base material 1 is a medical material for assisting in the regeneration of adipose tissue lost due to lesion resection surgery or the like, and is delivered and implanted into the body via a cannula 2, which will be described later. The implanted base material 1 maintains its shape and assists in the regeneration of adipose tissue until the adipose tissue is sufficiently regenerated (approximately 6 to 12 months), while gradually degrading in the body and eventually disappearing. Base material 1 can be applied to the regeneration of adipose tissue in, for example, the breasts, buttocks, abdomen, etc.

[0019] The substrate 1 has a generally cylindrical (or thread-shaped) appearance as a whole to enable delivery into the body via the cannula 2. The substrate 1 is generally flexible and can be easily bent by applying an external force, but returns to its original shape so as to extend along a straight line when the external force is removed. The substrate 1 has at least a first end 11 and a second end 12 located at opposite ends in the axial direction, and an intermediate portion 13 extending continuously between the first end 11 and the second end 12.

[0020] The intermediate portion 13 is a cylindrical portion that defines the internal space S1 of the substrate 1 and is configured to have a constant outer diameter. A constant outer diameter means that the difference between the maximum and minimum outer diameters is 3 mm or less over a predetermined length (preferably 15 mm or more, more preferably 25 mm or more, even more preferably 35 mm or more, and particularly preferably 45 mm or more) along the axial direction of the substrate 1. The outer diameter of the intermediate portion 13 is measured with a micrometer.

[0021] The maximum outer diameter of the intermediate portion 13 is not particularly limited as long as it is large enough to be inserted into the cannula 2, but when the substrate 1 is applied to the breast, it is preferably 10 mm or less, more preferably 8 mm or less, even more preferably 6 mm or less, and particularly preferably 4.5 mm or less. When the substrate 1 is applied to the buttocks, the maximum outer diameter of the intermediate portion 13 is preferably 10 mm or less, more preferably 9 mm or less, even more preferably 8.5 mm or less, and particularly preferably 8 mm or less. When the substrate 1 is applied to the abdomen, the maximum outer diameter of the intermediate portion 13 is preferably 10 mm or less, more preferably 9 mm or less, even more preferably 8 mm or less, and particularly preferably 7.5 mm or less.

[0022] The cross-sectional shape of the intermediate portion 13 is not particularly limited as long as it provides an internal space S1 sufficient for adipose-derived stem cells and adipocytes to infiltrate and proliferate. However, from the viewpoint of providing sufficient strength to prevent the internal space S1 from collapsing due to surrounding tissues or external forces when the substrate 1 is implanted in the body, a circular or polygonal cross-sectional shape that is closer to a circle is preferable. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the intermediate portion 13, depending on the maximum outer diameter of the intermediate portion 13, is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 9.9 mm or less, more preferably 0.5 mm or more and 8 mm or less, and even more preferably 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less. The inner diameter of the intermediate portion 13 is determined by the average value of the maximum inner diameters determined from cross sections at three different locations randomly selected from the intermediate portion 13. The maximum inner diameter at each cross section is determined based on an image of each cross section captured with a microscope.

[0023] The intermediate portion 13 may be composed of one or more wires 10 and have a mesh shape forming multiple openings A1. In this embodiment, the entire substrate 1 is integrally constructed from wires 10 woven into a braided cord. The openings A1 communicate with the internal space S1 and guide adipose-derived stem cells and adipocytes into the internal space S1 to reconstruct adipose tissue. It is known that the size of adipose-derived stem cells and adipocytes is typically 0.1 mm or less. The size of the openings A1 is preferably large enough to allow these cells to pass through while preventing the passage of surrounding tissue other than existing fat tissue. For this reason, the size of the openings A1 in the intermediate portion 13 is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 10 mm or less, more preferably 0.2 mm or more and 5 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.3 mm or more and 2 mm or less. The size of the openings A1 in the intermediate portion 13 is determined by the maximum distance between two points on the periphery of an opening A1 randomly selected from the intermediate portion 13. The maximum distance between two points on the periphery of the opening A1 is determined based on an image of the outer surface of the intermediate portion 13 captured by a microscope.

[0024] In this embodiment, the shape of the opening A1 is approximated by a parallelogram. In this case, it is preferable that the long diagonal of the opening A1 in the intermediate portion 13 satisfy the above range. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of further facilitating the passage of adipose-derived stem cells and adipocytes, it is even more preferable that the short diagonal of the opening A1 in the intermediate portion 13 satisfy the above range.

[0025] The area of ​​the openings A1 relative to the surface area of ​​the intermediate portion 13 (the occupancy rate of the openings A1) is preferably 20% or more and 99% or less, more preferably 25% or more and 95% or less, and even more preferably 30% or more and 90% or less. When the occupancy rate of the openings A1 is equal to or greater than the lower limit, the intermediate portion 13 maintains sufficient strength for a certain period of time and can support the regeneration of adipose tissue in the internal space S1. On the other hand, when the occupancy rate of the openings A1 is equal to or less than the upper limit, adipose-derived stem cells and adipocytes can easily infiltrate into the internal space S1.

[0026] The wire 10 according to this embodiment is configured as a monofilament, but may also be configured as a multifilament. The diameter of the wire 10 is preferably 0.01 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less, more preferably 0.05 mm or more and 1 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.08 mm or more and 0.8 mm or less. When the diameter of the wire 10 is equal to or greater than the above-mentioned lower limit, the intermediate portion 13 can be provided with sufficient strength to maintain its shape for a certain period of time. On the other hand, when the diameter of the wire 10 is equal to or less than the above-mentioned upper limit, the intermediate portion 13 can be provided with appropriate flexibility. Furthermore, an internal space S1 with a larger cross-sectional area than the maximum outer diameter of the intermediate portion 13 can be formed.

[0027] The wire 10 includes a biodegradable material. Preferably, the wire 10 is made of a biodegradable material. However, the wire 10 is only required to be made primarily of a biodegradable material, and may contain additives other than the biodegradable material as needed. Examples of biodegradable materials include biodegradable polymers, and more specifically, polymers of lactic acid (which may include D-lactic acid, L-lactic acid, or meso-lactic acid), glycolide, caprolactone, dioxane, or trimethylene carbonate, or copolymers of monomers of these biodegradable polymers. Among these, polylactic acid or copolymers of lactic acid and other biodegradable monomers other than lactic acid are preferred from the viewpoints of imparting appropriate rigidity to at least the intermediate portion 13 and realizing an appropriate decomposition rate in the body. The wire 10 may also contain other biodegradable materials, such as polysaccharides such as starch, alginic acid, hyaluronic acid, chitin, pectinic acid and their derivatives, proteins such as collagen, gelatin, albumin and fibrin, and biodegradable inorganic substances such as magnesium and magnesium alloys.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2 , the substrate 1 may further include a stopper portion 110 disposed at the first end 11. As described below, when the substrate 1 is delivered into the body using the cannula 2, the stopper portion 110 hooks onto the distal end 21 of the cannula 2, thereby preventing the first end 11 from retracting into the internal passage S2 of the cannula 2 (see FIG. 3 ). The stopper portion 110 shown in FIG. 2 has an arrowhead shape (approximately a concave rectangle) that gradually widens in diameter from the distal end to the proximal end in a plan view. Therefore, the maximum outer diameter of the stopper portion 110 is larger than the inner diameter of the internal passage S2. The maximum outer diameter of the stopper portion 110 is also larger than the maximum outer diameter of the intermediate portion 13. However, the shape of the stopper portion 110 is not particularly limited as long as it can hook onto the distal end 21 of the cannula 2. Furthermore, the method for forming the stopper portion 110 is not particularly limited. For example, the stopper portion 110 may be molded integrally with the first end portion 11, or may be molded separately from the first end portion 11 and then fixed to the first end portion 11 by methods such as thermal welding, ultrasonic welding, or adhesive bonding.

[0029] The stopper portion 110 includes a biodegradable material. Preferably, the stopper portion 110 is made of a biodegradable material. However, the stopper portion 110 only needs to be made primarily of a biodegradable material, and may contain additives other than the biodegradable material as needed. Similar to the wire 10, examples of biodegradable materials included in the stopper portion 110 include biodegradable polymers including polymers of lactic acid (including D-lactic acid, L-lactic acid, or meso-lactic acid), glycolide, caprolactone, dioxane, or trimethylene carbonate, or copolymers of monomers of these biodegradable polymers. The stopper portion 110 may also include other biodegradable materials, such as polysaccharides such as starch, alginic acid, hyaluronic acid, chitin, pectinic acid, and derivatives thereof; proteins such as collagen, gelatin, albumin, and fibrin; and biodegradable inorganic substances such as magnesium and magnesium alloys.

[0030] 2. Adipose Tissue Regeneration Base Material Set Figure 3 is a plan view of an adipose tissue regeneration base material set 3 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "base material set 3") according to one embodiment. The base material set 3 comprises a base material 1 and a cannula 2 for delivering the base material 1 to a desired location inside a patient's body. The cannula 2 according to this embodiment is substantially cylindrical with both ends open and defines an internal passage S2 capable of accommodating at least a portion of the base material 1. In other words, the base material set 3 is configured by combining the base material 1 with a cannula 2, the inner diameter of which is the same as or larger than the maximum outer diameter of the intermediate portion 13 of the base material 1. Additionally, if the base material 1 includes a stopper portion 110 having a maximum outer diameter larger than the maximum outer diameter of the intermediate portion 13, the cannula 2 is combined with the base material 1, defining an internal passage S2 with an inner diameter smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the stopper portion 110.

[0031] Because at least a portion of cannula 2 is inserted into the body from the tip 21 side, it is preferable that cannula 2 be made of a material that is less likely to deform than base material 1. Other configurations of cannula 2 are not particularly limited, and for example, tip 21 may be formed in a needle shape, or the central axis of the tip portion including tip 21 may be angled so as to intersect with the central axes of the other portions.

[0032] 3. Substrate Delivery Method The substrate 1 is set in the cannula 2 as shown in FIG. 3 and delivered into the body. For example, the substrate 1 shown in FIG. 2 is inserted into the internal passage S2 by inserting the second end 12 from the tip 21 of the cannula 2 into the internal passage S2 and withdrawing it from the rear end of the cannula 2. As a result, the substrate 1 is housed within the internal passage S2 with the stopper portion 110 exposed to the outside from the tip 21 of the cannula 2. The substrate set 3 in this state is inserted into the body through an incision made in the skin, with the stopper portion 110 facing forward. Once the substrate 1 has been delivered into the body together with the cannula 2 to the desired length, the cannula 2 alone is pulled proximally and removed from the body. Then, unnecessary portions of the substrate 1 are cut off as needed. The incision is then closed. The substrate 1 is thus implanted into the body. Note that multiple substrates 1 can be implanted by inserting another substrate set 3 through the same incision in a different direction using the same procedure.

[0033] <4. Features> (1) According to the substrate 1 of the above embodiment, a desired amount of the substrate 1 can be implanted into the body using a method that uses a cannula 2. In other words, it is possible to fill a relatively long or wide range of adipose tissue defects without forming a large incision in the patient's body. In particular, when the incision is 5 mm or less, it is thought that scars from the incision used to implant the substrate 1 are unlikely to remain. This reduces the physical and mental burden on the patient, leading to an improvement in their quality of life.

[0034] (2) The amount of the base material 1 embedded in the above embodiment is controlled by adjusting the outer diameter and length of the base material 1. Therefore, unlike when the amount of embedded is controlled by the number of implants, the amount of embedded can be more precisely controlled depending on the area of ​​adipose tissue defect, which is expected to improve cosmetic satisfaction. Furthermore, the base material 1 can also be suitably used for correcting unevenness in the décolleté area caused by other implants already inserted, such as breast implants.

[0035] (3) The substrate 1 according to the above embodiment is composed of wire 10 and has sufficient strength to maintain the internal space S1 within the body, while also possessing flexibility that allows for bending and deformation. This allows it to function appropriately as a foundation for autologous adipose tissue regeneration when implanted in the body without damaging existing tissue. Additionally, its high shape adaptability allows it to be placed in the affected area according to the required shape, which is expected to improve satisfaction with cosmetic results. Furthermore, since the substrate 1 is biodegradable and will eventually disappear, there is no need for re-incision for maintenance or removal, and there is no need for concerns about infection, allergies, carcinogenesis, etc. This reduces the physical and mental burden on the patient, leading to an improvement in their quality of life.

[0036] 5. Modifications Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the following modifications are possible. Furthermore, the gist of the following modifications can be combined as appropriate.

[0037] (1) The knitting method of the wire rod 10 is not limited to that of the above embodiment and can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, different knitting methods may be mixed at least in the intermediate portion 13 to form openings A1 of different sizes or shapes. Furthermore, the intermediate portion 13 may be formed from a woven fabric of the wire rod 10 instead of a knitted fabric. For example, the intermediate portion 13 may be formed by rolling a flat woven fabric made of the wire rod 10 into a cylindrical shape and fixing it. In this case, the weaving method of the wire rod 10 is also not particularly limited.

[0038] (2) The substrate 1 or the intermediate portion 13 does not have to be made of the wire 10. For example, the substrate 1 or the intermediate portion 13 may be made by rolling a sheet-like material having a plurality of openings A1 into a cylindrical shape and fixing it. The sheet-like material may be made of the biodegradable material described above. The shape of the openings A1 is not particularly limited.

[0039] (3) Although the first end 11 and the second end 12 shown in Fig. 1 are both open, at least one of the first end 11 and the second end 12 may be closed. Furthermore, the outer diameters of the first end 11 and the second end 12 do not need to be constant, and may be tapered, for example.

[0040] (4) The maximum outer diameter of the stopper portion 110 does not need to be larger than the maximum outer diameter of the intermediate portion 13, nor does it need to be larger than the inner diameter of the internal passage S2. An example of such a stopper portion 110 is a string-like member extending from the first end portion 11. When the base material 1 includes such a stopper portion 110, the stopper portion 110 can be pulled out from the distal end 21 of the cannula 2 and folded back toward the rear end of the cannula 2, thereby allowing the base material 1 to be housed in the internal passage S2 so that the stopper portion 110 is exposed to the outside from the distal end 21 of the cannula 2. The base material set 3 in this state can be inserted into the body while preventing the stopper portion 110 from moving relative to the cannula 2. The stopper portion 110 may then be cut as needed when the cannula 2 is removed from the body.

[0041] The following describes experiments conducted by the inventors and their results, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0042] 1. Preparation of Examples and Comparative Examples [Example] A braided tube as shown in FIG. 1 was prepared using a monofilament wire composed of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). The outer diameter of the wire was 0.17 mm. The tube was cut every 15 mm to prepare 24 substrates according to the example. FIG. 4 is a micrograph of the substrate according to the example taken with a microscope (VHX-1000, manufactured by KEYENCE). The substrate according to the example had a constant outer diameter from the first end to the second end, and overall had a mesh-like shape with openings that were approximately parallelogram-shaped. The maximum outer diameter, long diagonal of the openings, and short diagonal of the openings of 24 substrates according to the example were measured using the microscope, and the results are shown in Table 1. The area occupancy of the openings of the 24 substrates was approximately 35% (30% to 40%). The results in Table 1 confirm that the openings in the substrates according to the example were large enough to allow adipose-derived stem cells and adipocytes to pass through.

[0043] [Comparative Example] A mesh-like sheet member made of monofilament wire made of poly-L-lactic acid was rolled up and both ends were closed to create six approximately elliptical or rugby ball-shaped mesh bodies as shown in Figure 5, which served as substrates for the comparative example. The outer diameter of the wire was 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm. The openings in the sheet member were approximately square, measuring 1 x 1 mm to 2 x 2 mm. The average major width L1 of the substrate for the comparative example was 18 mm, and the average minor width L2 was 7.5 mm.

[0044] <2. Compression Strength Test> Six substrates according to each of the Examples and Comparative Examples were prepared, and the compressive strength (N) of each substrate was measured using a compression testing device (AG-X Plus, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation). Specifically, each substrate was placed at the center of a sample stage, and the force when the substrate was compressed to 50% of its height at a rate of 10 mm / min using the compression testing device was measured. Each substrate was placed on the sample stage in an orientation such that the maximum height from the sample stage matched its outer diameter for the Examples, and matched its narrow width for the Comparative Examples.

[0045] [Results] The average (N) and standard error (N) of the compressive strength of the Examples and Comparative Examples are shown in Table 2. From the results in Table 2, the compressive strength of the substrates according to the Examples was higher than that of the substrates according to the Comparative Examples. Furthermore, a significance test (significance level 5%) was performed on the obtained data, and the hypothesis that the compressive strength of the substrates according to the Examples is higher than that of the substrates according to the Comparative Examples was established.

[0046] 3. In vivo implantation test Six rats (F344) were anesthetized with isoflurane inhalation anesthesia and completely analgesic and sedated, and one substrate was implanted into each of the two groins (left and right). A total of 12 substrates were implanted into the groin of each rat. The rats were divided into three groups: Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3. The rats in Group 1 were euthanized one month after implantation, the rats in Group 2 were euthanized three months after implantation, and the rats in Group 3 were euthanized six months after implantation, and tissues were collected from the implantation sites.

[0047] Each collected tissue was fixed in 10% formalin and then embedded in paraffin to prepare tissue blocks. Three cross-sectional sections, including the substrate, were prepared for each block, and each section was stained with HE. Based on microscopic images of each stained section taken with a fluorescence microscope (BZ-X810, KEYENCE), the cross-sectional area (mm2) of the internal space of the substrate and the cross-sectional area (mm2) of the adipose tissue generated in the internal space were determined (see Figures 6A to 6C). The cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space was defined as the area enclosed by the closed curve connecting the cross-sectional centers of the substrate wires, as identified in the microscopic image. The cross-sectional area of ​​the adipose tissue was defined as the area enclosed by the outline of the adipocyte cluster, as identified in the microscopic image. ImageJ was used as image processing software for area calculation.

[0048] [Results] The cross-sectional area of ​​the matrix's internal space (mm²), the cross-sectional area of ​​the adipose tissue (mm²), and their standard errors (mm²) are shown in Table 3. The results in Table 3 confirmed that the matrix's shape was maintained from one to six months after implantation. Furthermore, the results in Table 3 and the micrographs shown in Figures 6A and 6B confirmed that adipocytes had entered the matrix's internal space and generated adipose tissue one to three months after implantation. Furthermore, Figures 6A and 6B confirmed that adipose tissue was generated near the periphery of the matrix's internal space one month after implantation, whereas adipose tissue was generated closer to the center of the matrix's internal space three months after implantation. These results suggest that adipose-derived stem cells and adipocytes can infiltrate the center of the matrix's internal space and generate adipose tissue. Additionally, the results in Table 3 revealed a significant difference in the cross-sectional area of ​​adipose tissue three to six months after implantation. This can also be confirmed by the micrograph shown in Figure 6C. These results confirmed that a larger amount of fat was regenerated inside the device six months after implantation.

[0049] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Base material (adipose tissue regeneration base material) 2 Cannula 3 Base material set (adipose tissue regeneration base material set) 10 Wire 11 First end 12 Second end 13 Intermediate portion 110 Stopper portion 21 Tip A1 Opening S1 Internal space S2 Internal passage

Claims

1. An adipose tissue regeneration base material comprising: a first end; a second end; and a cylindrical intermediate portion extending continuously between the first end and the second end, having a constant outer diameter and defining an internal space, wherein the intermediate portion has a plurality of openings communicating with the internal space, and wherein the first end, the second end, and the intermediate portion comprise a biodegradable material.

2. The adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to claim 1, wherein the outer diameter of the intermediate portion is 10 mm or less.

3. The adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the biodegradable material includes a biodegradable polymer.

4. The adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the intermediate portion is made of a wire containing the biodegradable material and has a mesh shape that forms the plurality of openings.

5. The adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a stopper portion disposed at the first end portion.

6. The adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to claim 5, wherein the outer diameter of the stopper portion is larger than the outer diameter of the intermediate portion.

7. An adipose tissue regeneration substrate set comprising: an adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to claim 1 or 2; and a cannula defining an internal passage capable of accommodating at least a portion of the adipose tissue regeneration substrate, wherein the internal passage has an inner diameter equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the intermediate portion.

8. An adipose tissue regeneration substrate set comprising: the adipose tissue regeneration substrate according to claim 5; and a cannula defining an internal passage capable of accommodating at least a portion of the adipose tissue regeneration substrate, wherein the internal diameter of the internal passage is the same as or larger than the external diameter of the intermediate portion, and the adipose tissue regeneration substrate is accommodated in the internal passage such that the stopper portion is exposed to the outside from one end of the cannula.

9. The adipose tissue regeneration material set according to claim 8, wherein the outer diameter of the stopper portion is larger than the inner diameter of the internal passage.

Images