Minimally Invasive Bioprinter for Tissue Defect Repair
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for repairing internal tissue defects, such as chondral defects, are invasive and do not allow for the precise, real-time customization of tissue replacement.
Innovation Solution
The method involves visualizing the internal tissue defect during minimally invasive surgery, positioning a bioprinter with a printhead near or in contact with the defect, and ejecting a bio-ink composed of cells and extracellular matrix components to form a bio-ink construct.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional surgical methods are used to repair internal tissue defects, then the surgery can be performed with existing techniques, but the procedure is invasive and does not allow for precise, real-time customization of tissue replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into an integrated surgical system that merges visualization, bioprinting, and tissue deposition capabilities into a single coordinated platform. The system integrates the bioprinter with surgical instruments and imaging systems, allowing simultaneous visualization and precise tissue deposition at the defect site without requiring separate devices or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables real-time customization of tissue replacements by using the actual defect geometry and characteristics observed during surgery to guide the bioprinting process. The bioprinter automatically adapts its deposition parameters based on real-time feedback from visualization systems, allowing the tissue construct to self-adjust to the specific defect geometry without pre-manufacturing.
2Loss of time
If pre-manufactured implants are used, then tissue replacement can be performed with standardized components, but recovery time is extended and surgical outcomes are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary visualization and defect characterization during the surgical procedure itself, allowing the bioprinting parameters to be optimized in real-time based on the actual defect geometry. This eliminates the need for pre-manufacturing implants while ensuring the tissue construct is precisely tailored to the defect, potentially reducing recovery time and improving outcomes.
Solution Approach 2:
The bioprinting system dynamically adjusts its deposition parameters, nozzle positioning, and bio-ink formulation based on real-time feedback from the visualization system and defect characteristics. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize tissue deposition for each specific defect during surgery, improving surgical outcomes without requiring standardized pre-manufactured implants.
3Ease of operation
If a bioprinter is positioned within proximity of or in contact with the internal tissue defect, then direct deposition of living tissue is enabled, but the device positioning and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument incorporates multiple functions including visualization, navigation, and bioprinting capabilities within a single device. This multi-functional approach allows the same instrument to perform defect visualization, position itself at the target site, and deposit bio-ink without requiring separate devices, thereby simplifying the overall surgical workflow despite the advanced capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs real-time feedback from visualization and navigation systems to automatically adjust the bioprinter's position and deposition parameters. This closed-loop control simplifies operation by reducing the need for manual positioning adjustments, allowing the system to self-correct and maintain optimal positioning at the defect site throughout the procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of bioprinting a bio-ink construct on an internal tissue defect or a chondral defect during a minimally invasive surgery on an individual in need thereof are provided, comprising: visualizing the defect; positioning a bioprinter comprising a printhead within proximity of or in contact with the defect; and ejecting a bio-ink from the printhead onto the defect to form a bio-ink layer, thereby generating a bio-ink construct. Further provided are systems for bioprinting a bio-ink construct on an internal tissue defect during a minimally invasive surgery on an individual in need thereof, comprising a control system, an endoscope, and a bioprinter comprising a printhead.