Biodegradable Elastomeric Patch for Cardiac Tissue Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical treatments for cardiac and cardiovascular conditions often rely on non-biodegradable materials that can lead to long-term complications such as infection, calcification, and material-related failures, and fail to promote desirable tissue growth and remodeling, particularly in cases of myocardial infarction and congenital defects.
Innovation Solution
Development of biodegradable elastomeric patches composed of polymers like poly(ester urethane) urea or poly(ether ester urethane) urea, which provide mechanical support, encourage tissue growth, and can be functionalized with adhesion-promoting peptides, optionally incorporating therapeutic agents or cells, to be implanted in the heart or cardiovascular system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If non-biodegradable materials are used for cardiac patch implantation, then mechanical support and structural integrity are maintained long-term, but the risk of infection, calcification, and material-related failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs biodegradable polymers that are designed to provide mechanical support temporarily during the critical healing period, then gradually degrade and be absorbed by the body. This eliminates the need for permanent foreign materials that can cause infection and calcification, while still providing adequate structural reinforcement when needed most.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes polymers with tunable degradation rates that can be adjusted to match the healing timeline of cardiac tissue. By controlling the degradation parameters, the material maintains strength during the acute phase and then progressively breaks down into biocompatible byproducts, avoiding long-term complications.
2Stability of the object's composition
If non-biodegradable materials are used for cardiac patch implantation, then structural stability is maintained, but tissue growth and remodeling are prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic material system that transitions from a stable, structurally supportive state to a degrading, tissue-integrating state. The biodegradable polymer gradually transforms as the host tissue remodels and strengthens, allowing the patch to adapt its properties over time rather than remaining static.
Solution Approach 2:
The biodegradable patch is designed to be temporarily discarded by the body's natural degradation processes once its structural support function is no longer needed. As the polymer breaks down into biocompatible monomers, the body recovers the space and integrates native tissue, achieving both structural stability during healing and long-term tissue growth.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If synthetic polymers like Dacron or ePTFE are used for reconstructive surgery, then mechanical durability is achieved, but foreign body reactions and infection risks persist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces permanent synthetic polymers with biodegradable alternatives that provide mechanical durability only for the duration needed during the critical healing phase. The temporary nature of these polymers eliminates long-term foreign body reactions and infection risks associated with permanent implants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent may employ composite structures combining biodegradable polymers with bioactive components or natural matrices that enhance biocompatibility. This composite approach maintains mechanical durability during the acute phase while promoting tissue integration and eliminating foreign body reactions in the long term.
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 biodegradable elastomeric patches effectively maintain or enhance cardiac function, promote tissue repair, and reduce the risk of long-term complications by degrading naturally, allowing for tissue regeneration and minimizing foreign body reactions.
Implementation Method 1
biodegradable elastomeric patches that can be implanted on the heart or portions of the cardiovascular system
Implementation Method 2
The biodegradable elastomeric patches effectively maintain or enhance cardiac function, promote tissue repair, and reduce the risk of long-term complications by degrading naturally
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a biodegradable elastomeric patch that can be implanted on a heart or other portions of the cardiovascular system to repair tissue deficiencies or tissue damage. The biodegradable elastomeric patch may be engineered to have mechanical properties similar to that of soft tissue and to provide mechanical support to the damaged tissue. The biodegradable elastomeric patch also may comprise therapeutic agents to aid in the healing process. Methods also are provided for using a biodegradable elastomeric patch for treating patients suffering from tissue damage or tissue deficiencies in the cardiac or cardiovascular system.