Bioabsorbable Implants for Soft Tissue Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for soft tissue manipulation and fixation, such as using anchors or sutures, often result in permanent adhesions or unsightly fibrosis, and lack effective solutions for temporary tissue remodeling and support.
Innovation Solution
The use of bio-absorbable implants that can be inserted into the body to mechanically assist in tissue remodeling, providing temporary support and adhesion, while minimizing fibrosis reactions and being designed to dissipate after their purpose is fulfilled, often in conjunction with permanent implants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent implants (anchors or sutures) are used for soft tissue fixation, then reliable tissue attachment is achieved, but permanent adhesions or unsightly fibrosis occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using bioabsorbable implants that temporarily perform the fixation function and then naturally degrade and are absorbed by the body. These short-living implants provide the necessary mechanical support during the critical healing period and then disappear without causing permanent adhesions or fibrosis, resolving the contradiction between reliable attachment and harmful permanent effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by selecting implant materials with specific degradation rates and mechanical properties that match the tissue healing timeline. The implants are designed to maintain sufficient strength initially for reliable fixation, then gradually reduce their mechanical properties as the tissue heals, ultimately being completely absorbed. This dynamic parameter change allows the system to provide reliable attachment when needed while eliminating harmful permanent effects.
2Stability of the object's composition
If permanent implants are used for tissue fixation, then stable support is provided, but the risk of long-term fibrosis and adhesion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs bioabsorbable implants that provide stable support during the critical healing period and then naturally degrade and are absorbed by the body. These temporary implants eliminate the long-term presence of foreign materials that cause fibrosis and adhesion, while maintaining sufficient stability during the period when mechanical support is most needed for tissue repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by designing implants with time-dependent mechanical and biological properties. The implants initially provide high mechanical stability for secure fixation, then gradually undergo controlled degradation with changing material properties, and finally are completely absorbed. This dynamic parameter evolution ensures stable support when required while minimizing long-term fibrotic reactions.
3Strength
If traditional fixation methods are used, then immediate mechanical strength is achieved, but the ability to promote natural tissue remodeling is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by employing implants with evolving mechanical and biological properties. The implants begin with high mechanical strength to provide immediate structural support, then progressively change their material properties during degradation to become more compliant and biologically active, ultimately being absorbed to allow complete tissue remodeling. This dynamic parameter transformation enables both immediate strength and adaptive tissue regeneration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by designing temporary implants that are intentionally discarded (degraded and absorbed) after serving their purpose. The implants provide necessary mechanical strength during the early healing phase, then are gradually broken down and absorbed by the body, allowing the natural tissue to remodel and regenerate without permanent foreign material interference. This temporary presence and subsequent removal enables both strength provision and remodeling capability.
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
Enables effective temporary tissue remodeling and support with reduced risk of permanent adhesions, allowing for desired tissue configurations to be maintained until the bio-absorbable implants degrade, thus improving surgical outcomes and patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
an expandable bioabsorbable element
Implementation Method 2
treating said soft tissue to cause remodeling thereof, with mechanical assistance of said bioabsorbable element, said remodeling to last after said bioabsorbable element dissipates
Data Source
AI summary
Remodeling of body tissue using a bioabsorbable implant that maintains or otherwise mechanically assists a more permanent implant or other treatment take, for example, by the treatment causing fibrosis. For example, the apparatus and methods can be used for hernia, organ prolapse and cosmetic purposes, such as breast and face lifts.