Biodegradable Non-biodegradable Fiber Mesh Sling for Urinary Incontinence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgically implantable slings for treating urinary incontinence face challenges in forming permanent and effective scar tissue support, and accommodating body growth and movement, as they often rely on non-biodegradable materials that do not adapt to physiological changes.
Innovation Solution
A mesh sling combining biodegradable and non-biodegradable fibers, where the biodegradable fibers degrade to form scar tissue and enlarge pores for tissue ingrowth, while the non-biodegradable fibers provide initial support and remain to enhance anatomical support over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-biodegradable materials are used in the sling, then initial support and structural integrity are maintained, but the sling cannot adapt to body growth and physiological changes
Solution Approach 1:
The sling is segmented into two distinct fiber types: biodegradable fibers that degrade over time to accommodate body growth, and non-biodegradable fibers that provide permanent structural support. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The sling uses a composite structure combining biodegradable and non-biodegradable fibers in a single mesh. This composite material approach enables the sling to simultaneously provide immediate support and long-term adaptability, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and physiological adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If biodegradable materials are used in the sling, then the sling can degrade and accommodate body changes, but permanent scar tissue formation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sling is segmented into two distinct fiber types: biodegradable fibers that degrade over time to accommodate body growth, and non-biodegradable fibers that provide permanent structural support. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The sling uses a composite structure combining biodegradable and non-biodegradable fibers in a single mesh. This composite material approach enables the sling to simultaneously provide immediate support and long-term adaptability, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and physiological adaptability.
3Strength
If the sling maintains constant tension, then anatomical support is optimized, but the sling cannot accommodate body growth and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The sling transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one through the biodegradable fibers that gradually degrade over time. This degradation process allows the sling to naturally adjust its tension and accommodate body growth, movement, and physiological changes without requiring external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The biodegradable fibers automatically degrade and the sling naturally adapts to body changes through this self-degradation process, eliminating the need for surgical adjustments or external modifications to accommodate growth and movement.
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 combination of biodegradable and non-biodegradable fibers in the mesh sling promotes permanent scar tissue formation, allowing the sling to naturally expand and contract with body changes, providing long-term anatomical support and reducing the need for constant tension adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
as portions of the sling degrade, they are replaced by scar tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are mesh materials adapted for use in an implantable sling. The mesh materials include biodegradable and non-degradable components that may be adapted to facilitate scar-tissue ingrowth as the biodegradable components degrade.