Absorbable Non-absorbable Tissue Scaffold for Flexible Implant

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional implantable scaffolds made from predominantly non-absorbable materials can be felt by users and restrict movement or flexibility due to their persistent nature, even after tissue ingrowth, as they do not fully absorb into the body.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional implantable device composed of a unique arrangement of absorbable and non-absorbable materials, where the absorbable fibers are subjected to heat treatments to buckle and melt, creating a randomly oriented, non-structural array that allows for tissue ingrowth and eventual absorption, reducing the noticeable presence of the device within the body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If scaffolds are made from predominantly non-absorbable materials, then structural support and durability are improved, but user comfort and movement flexibility deteriorate due to persistent presence in the body

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidmovement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning the absorbable material from a solid fiber state through heat-induced melting to a liquid state, then to a gel state, and finally to complete absorption. This dynamic parameter change allows the material to provide structural support initially, then gradually transform to eliminate restrictions on movement and user comfort over time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates absorbable materials that are designed to be temporary and short-lived in the body, replacing the traditional permanent non-absorbable materials. These absorbable components provide necessary structural support during the healing period, then degrade and absorb completely, eliminating the persistent presence that restricts movement and causes discomfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If scaffolds are made from entirely non-absorbable materials, then long-term structural integrity is improved, but tissue integration and natural tissue movement deteriorate due to foreign body presence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelong-term structural integrityVSAvoidtissue integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials consisting of both absorbable and non-absorbable components in a single scaffold structure. The non-absorbable portion provides enduring structural integrity, while the absorbable portion facilitates tissue integration by degrading over time, allowing tissue to grow into and replace the scaffold. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between maintaining long-term structural support and achieving natural tissue integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the scaffold into distinct functional zones: non-absorbable regions that maintain permanent structural support and absorbable regions that facilitate tissue integration and eventual replacement. This segmentation allows each material type to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If scaffolds include high amount of non-absorbable materials, then mechanical strength is improved, but biocompatibility and absorption into body deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidbiocompatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different material properties to different regions of the scaffold. Non-absorbable materials with high mechanical strength are placed in regions requiring structural support, while absorbable biocompatible materials are placed in regions requiring tissue integration and absorption. This spatial differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between mechanical strength and biocompatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device promotes tissue ingrowth while minimizing the feel and restriction of movement, as it absorbs into the body over time, maintaining support and flexibility, and allowing for natural tissue movement, unlike traditional scaffolds.

Implementation Method 1

subjecting the initial woven structure to a first heat treatment at a first temperature sufficient to cause shrinkage of the first absorbable filament

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal shrinkage: Thermal Contraction

Implementation Method 2

heating the initial heated structure to a second temperature, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature, where at least a portion of the first absorbable filament is melted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS10123862B2Randomly uniform three dimensional tissue scaffold of absorbable and non-absorbable materials

Publication Date: 2018.11.13 ETHICON INC

AI summary

An implantable structure, method for making the structure and method for using the structure, where the structure includes a combination of non-absorbable and absorbable components, and the implantable structure has a randomly uniform array of materials. The resulting implantable structure provides improved tissue ingrowth and flexibility after implantation and after absorption of the absorbable materials.