Biologic Abdominal Wall Implant with Elongate Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for closing abdominal incisions, particularly in patients with gross abdominal wall loss or structural defects, face challenges due to complications from synthetic mesh use, such as enteric fistulae formation and infection, which weaken the integrity of the incision closure.

Innovation Solution

A prosthetic device comprising an elongate element with an acellular dermal tissue matrix sheet, where the biomechanical strength of the element is equal to or greater than the sheet, is used to reinforce abdominal wall defects and incisions, facilitating effective closure and tissue integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If synthetic mesh is used to reinforce the fascia and restore abdominal wall continuity, then the structural integrity of the abdominal wall is improved, but the risk of complications such as enteric fistulae formation and infection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrity of abdominal wallVSAvoidcomplications such as enteric fistulae formation and infection

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from synthetic mesh to biologic material (such as processed dermis or other connective tissues), fundamentally altering the chemical composition and biological properties of the reinforcement material to eliminate complications associated with synthetic materials while maintaining structural support function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The device combines an elongate element with at least one sheet of biologic material to create a composite structure that provides both immediate mechanical strength and biological compatibility, allowing tissue integration while maintaining abdominal wall continuity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If an elongate element with biomechanical strength equal to or greater than the sheet is used, then the stability of the device is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of device structureVSAvoidstructure comprising elongate element and sheet

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the elongate element and the sheet into a single integrated device structure where the sheet is connected to the elongate element, combining multiple functional components into one cohesive implant that provides both reinforcement and structural support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10478168B2Device and method for treatment of incision or hernia

Publication Date: 2019.11.19 LIFECELL CORP

AI summary

Devices and methods for treating an abdominal incision or hernia are described. An implant for the restoration or prophylactic treatment of an abdominal wall comprises an elongate element and at least one sheet connected to the elongate element along a longitudinal axis of the elongate element. The elongate element is positioned along the line of incision, and the at least one sheet is secured to the abdominal muscles surrounding the incision.