Biodegradable Nerve Cap with Closed End for Neuroma Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nerve caps for treating and preventing neuroma symptoms are either non-customizable, non-biodegradable, or have open ends that allow nerve growth through, leading to complications such as discomfort and infection.

Innovation Solution

A biodegradable polymeric nerve cap with a closed end, made from a poly(DL-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) copolymer with a lactide content of 51-75 mol%, providing mechanical strength and flexibility, and a method to produce and shape the cap using dip-coating and pressing techniques to ensure a secure closure without adhesives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If synthetic materials are used for nerve caps, then customizability is improved, but biodegradability deteriorates requiring surgical removal

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecustomizabilityVSAvoidbiodegradability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by selecting specific compositional parameters (lactide content of 51-75 mol%) and structural parameters (tubular geometry with closed end) to create a biodegradable synthetic nerve cap that maintains customizability while achieving biodegradability through controlled material composition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If biological materials are used for nerve caps, then biodegradability is improved, but customizability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiodegradabilityVSAvoidcustomizability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials by creating a synthetic polymer composition (poly(DL-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) copolymer) that combines the biodegradability of natural polymers with the customizability of synthetic materials, achieving both properties simultaneously through material composition rather than biological sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If nerve cap has two open ends, then ease of installation is improved, but nerve growth through cap deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidprevention of nerve growth

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the nerve cap into distinct functional zones: a closed end that prevents nerve growth and an open end that facilitates installation, creating a structure where different segments serve different purposes to resolve the contradiction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Strength

If nerve cap is made rigid, then mechanical strength is improved, but flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the chemical composition parameters (lactide content of 51-75 mol%) to achieve the right balance between mechanical strength and flexibility, where the specific copolymer composition provides both structural integrity and tissue compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3265142B1Nerve cap and production thereof

Publication Date: 2021.05.26 POLYGANICS IP BV

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AI summary

The invention is directed to a nerve cap for covering a nerve stump, comprising a tubular body with a closed end and an open end and essentially consisting of biodegradable polymeric material to prevent or treat symptoms caused by neuroma. The polymeric material preferably comprises a poly(DL-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) copolymer obtained by the copolymerizaton of DL-lactide and ε-caprolactone, which copolymer has a lactide content of 51-75 mol%.