Anti-adhesion Surgical Mesh Composite

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical mesh composites for hernia repair face challenges such as adhesion, biocompatibility issues, and irritation due to the use of unabsorbable and absorbable polymers, which can lead to re-adhesion and inflammation, necessitating a solution that enhances anti-adhesion properties while maintaining flexibility and biocompatibility.

Innovation Solution

A surgical mesh composite with an anti-adhesion layer made of modified carboxymethylcellulose, treated at specific viscosity and temperature conditions, combined with a biodegradable polymer adhesive layer, to create a three-layered structure that reduces adhesion and irritation while maintaining strength and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If unabsorbable polymer materials (polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate) are used for surgical mesh, then the mesh maintains chemical and physical properties for several years to strengthen the peritoneum, but the materials cause adhesion between surrounding organs and tissues during wound recovery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability of meshVSAvoidadhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical mesh is divided into two distinct layers: a base mesh layer made of unabsorbable polymer for long-term structural support, and a separate anti-adhesion layer made of absorbable polymer applied to the inner surface. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently - the base layer provides durability while the anti-adhesion layer prevents adhesion and is later absorbed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An anti-adhesion layer made of absorbable polymer (such as hyaluronic acid or CMC) is introduced as an intermediary between the unabsorbable mesh and the surrounding tissues. This intermediate layer acts as a temporary barrier that prevents adhesion during the critical wound healing period, then degrades and is absorbed by the body, eliminating the harmful adhesion effect while preserving the long-term structural support function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If absorbable polymer materials are used for anti-adhesion agent, then the materials can be degraded biologically, but the materials induce inflammation during the absorption process

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebiodegradabilityVSAvoidinflammation
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The chemical composition and physical properties of the absorbable polymer are carefully controlled and optimized. Specific parameters such as molecular weight, degradation rate, and cross-linking density are adjusted to ensure the polymer degrades at an appropriate rate that matches tissue healing, minimizing inflammation while maintaining biodegradability. The polymer is applied at controlled concentrations and thicknesses to further modulate the inflammatory response

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If expanded poly tetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) is used as anti-adhesion agent, then the material provides barrier function, but the material cannot be degraded biologically and induces inflammation in surgical regions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion preventionVSAvoidbiocompatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using permanent unabsorbable materials like ePTFE for the anti-adhesion function, the invention employs absorbable polymers that perform their anti-adhesion duty temporarily during the wound healing period, then degrade and are absorbed by the body. This approach uses a temporary, biodegradable solution rather than a permanent non-biodegradable one, eliminating long-term inflammation and improving biocompatibility while maintaining effective adhesion prevention during the critical period

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Strength

If oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) is used to adhere polypropylene monofilament, then the fabric has good adhesion to winding organ or tissue, but the fabric has no biocompatibility due to artificial polymer and large pore structure that allows penetration by cell and blood protein

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidbiocompatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the mesh are given different properties: the outer surface maintains a structure optimized for tissue adhesion and integration, while the inner surface contacting the peritoneum is covered with an anti-adhesion layer that prevents adhesion and inflammation. This local differentiation of properties allows the mesh to simultaneously achieve strong adhesion where needed while preventing harmful adhesion in other areas

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 modified carboxymethylcellulose-based anti-adhesion layer significantly reduces post-surgical adhesion, enhances patient comfort, and maintains the mesh's strength and flexibility, providing a durable and biocompatible solution for hernia repair.

Implementation Method 1

treated at specific viscosity and temperature conditions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat treatment: Heat Treatment

Implementation Method 2

The modified carboxymethylcellulose-based anti-adhesion layer significantly reduces post-surgical adhesion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP2792351B1Anti-adhesive composition, surgical mesh complex containing same for Anti-adhesion functions, and method for manufacturing same
Publication Date: 2018.10.24 SAMYANG BIOPHARMLS CORP
  • EP2792351B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

An anti-adhesion composition with a good anti-adhesion property as well as a good biocompatibility, a surgical mesh composite with anti-adhesion property comprising the same and method for producing the same are provided.