Biodegradable Polymeric Spinal Implants for Neural Regeneration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical treatments for spinal cord tumors often result in secondary injuries and limited recovery due to the lack of effective methods to mitigate secondary tissue destruction and promote healing after tumor removal, leading to functional deficits such as muscle weakness, spasticity, and impaired motor functions.

Innovation Solution

The use of biodegradable polymeric articles, such as tubular mini-tubes and formable bandages, made from materials like polypyrrole and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), which are implanted into the spinal column to encapsulate the tumor site, reduce pressure, and promote neural regeneration by incorporating medicinal agents like stem cells and anti-inflammatory compounds to support healing and motor function recovery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If simple decompressive laminectomy with spinal stabilization is performed, then surgical removal of tumor is achieved, but secondary tissue destruction occurs and neural regeneration is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetumor removal effectivenessVSAvoidsecondary tissue destruction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implanting the biodegradable polymeric article into the spinal column before the natural healing process occurs after tumor removal. The article is placed in advance to provide immediate structural support and create a favorable environment for neural regeneration, preventing secondary tissue destruction rather than treating it after it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The biodegradable polymeric article serves as an intermediary between the tumor cavity and the surrounding spinal tissue. It mediates the interaction by providing a temporary scaffold that supports neural regeneration while gradually degrading, allowing new tissue to form and eventually take over its supportive function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If biodegradable polymeric articles are implanted to promote neural regeneration, then functional recovery is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneural regeneration effectivenessVSAvoidpolymeric article structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies discarding and recovering by using a biodegradable polymeric article that is intentionally designed to be temporary. The article performs its supportive and regenerative function for a limited period, then gradually degrades and is absorbed by the body, eliminating the need for removal surgery and avoiding long-term foreign body presence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The biodegradable polymeric article utilizes composite materials that combine biocompatibility, biodegradability, and structural integrity. This allows the device to provide adequate mechanical support while simultaneously enabling neural regeneration and eventual resorption by the body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If tumor removal is performed without additional protective measures, then surgical procedure is simple, but functional deficits such as muscle weakness and spasticity persist

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical procedure simplicityVSAvoidfunctional deficits

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The biodegradable polymeric article applies self-service by automatically providing structural support and releasing medicinal agents without requiring external intervention. The article's degradation process is self-regulated, and it inherently creates a microenvironment favorable for neural regeneration, reducing the need for additional complex surgical procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

These polymeric articles effectively minimize secondary injuries, facilitate neural regeneration, and enhance motor-sensory function recovery by providing a supportive environment for regrowing neurons, reducing inflammation, and promoting the formation of functional synapses, thereby improving post-operative outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

the polymeric biocompatible article is biodegradable or bioabsorbable in vivo

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiodegradation: Decomposition (biological)

Implementation Method 2

molding a polymeric biocompatible material consisting essentially of a single scaffold article comprising poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS9173732B2Medical devices for use in the surgical treatment of hyperproliferative diseases affecting the spinal cord

Publication Date: 2015.11.03 CHILDRENS MEDICAL CENT CORP

AI summary

Provided herein are new methods for the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases affecting the spinal cord, including the use of biodegradable polymers to treat spinal cord tumor recessing, i.e., to patch open zones left by spinal tumor removal. Biocompatible polymeric materials are tailored to fill areas previously occupied by tumors, e.g., materials in the form of tubular articles configured for insertion into the spinal column after surgical removal of a tumor. These protective articles may also include medicinal agents that stimulate spinal column neural regeneration, such as medicines or donor neuronal cells such as human neural stem cells, thus assisting patients to recover motorsensory function after spinal tumor surgery.