Biodegradable Mesh with ECM Particles for Pelvic Floor Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for pelvic floor disorders, such as incontinence and prolapse, often rely on inert materials that provide temporary solutions and may require repeat procedures due to tissue compromise, and can lead to complications like erectile dysfunction and bladder issues, while existing scaffolds with extracellular matrix (ECM) materials do not consistently achieve optimal cell morphology and distribution.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable polymeric mesh structure with interwoven fibers and ECM particles, which provides initial structural support and promotes tissue regeneration by degrading over time to deposit ECM material, enhancing long-term tissue repair and regeneration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If inert materials like poly(propylene) are used for mesh implants, then structural support is provided, but long-term tissue regeneration is limited and repeat procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from inert to biodegradable, allowing the mesh to transition from providing structural support to degrading and releasing ECM particles that promote tissue regeneration. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by enabling both initial support and long-term regenerative function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining biodegradable polymer matrix with embedded ECM particles. This composite structure provides both the mechanical strength needed for structural support and the biological functionality for tissue regeneration, resolving the contradiction between inert structural support and regenerative capability.
2Reliability
If porcine tissue is used as an alternative to inert materials, then tissue regeneration is promoted, but long-term efficacy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The biodegradable mesh acts as an intermediary structure that temporarily provides structural support while delivering ECM particles to promote tissue regeneration. Unlike permanent inert materials or pure porcine tissue, this intermediary approach allows controlled degradation after fulfilling its regenerative function, resolving the contradiction between promoting regeneration and maintaining long-term efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a biodegradable mesh that is intentionally designed to be temporary rather than permanent. The mesh provides its function during the critical regenerative period and then degrades, eliminating the need for long-term persistence in the body. This resolves the contradiction by making the duration of action appropriate to the treatment needs rather than extending it unnecessarily.
3Reliability
If existing scaffolds with ECM materials are used, then tissue regeneration is attempted, but optimal cell morphology and distribution are not consistently achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies ECM particles locally within the mesh structure, embedding them throughout the polymer matrix rather than using uniform or surface-only application. This local distribution ensures that ECM is delivered precisely where needed for cell attachment and growth, resolving the contradiction between achieving tissue regeneration and maintaining manufacturing precision for cell morphology.
4Strength
If traditional mesh repairs are performed, then structural support is restored, but tissue compromise increases requiring repeat procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of permanent foreign body presence into a benefit by using biodegradable materials. The mesh provides necessary structural support during healing, then degrades into harmless byproducts while having already promoted tissue regeneration through ECM release. This resolves the contradiction by transforming the harmful effect of long-term implant presence into a beneficial temporary support system.
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 mesh with ECM particles supports pelvic organs, facilitates natural tissue restoration, and reduces the need for repeat procedures by promoting long-term anatomical and histological repair, improving treatment outcomes for pelvic floor disorders.
Implementation Method 1
biodegradable polymeric mesh structure which has a plurality of interwoven fibers and a plurality of extracellular matrix (ECM) particles disposed within at least one of said fibers
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
Biodegradable implants including an ECM material and methods for treating a pelvic floor condition are described. ECM particles can be present within or on the surface of a pelvic implant, such as a biodegradable mesh, a pouch, or a urethral stent. After implantation the implant can provide tissue support, degrade over a period of time, and deposit the ECM material in the implantation area for regeneration of tissue and long term benefit.