Degradable Mesh Implant Void Volume and Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current degradable medical meshes for soft tissue regeneration lack sufficient thickness to provide long-term stability and void volume for tissue augmentation, particularly in applications like breast reconstruction, where they often result in complications such as 'bottoming out' due to limited mechanical strength and rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A degradable medical implant comprising a plurality of porous scaffolds connected by elements allowing mobility, forming a mesh-like structure with a maximum surface area of 500 mm2, enabling adaptability to curved surfaces and providing a larger void volume for tissue regeneration while maintaining mechanical strength through a combination of materials and manufacturing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If degradable meshes are used for soft tissue regeneration, then tissue regeneration is promoted, but mechanical strength and long-term stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines degradable polymer materials with non-degradable or slower-degrading materials to create a composite mesh structure. This allows the mesh to provide sufficient mechanical strength initially while still promoting tissue regeneration, and gradually transitions as the degradable components break down and are replaced by regenerated tissue.
2Volume of stationary object
If mesh thickness is increased to provide void volume for tissue augmentation, then tissue regeneration volume is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to curved surfaces deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mesh into multiple layers or segments with different thicknesses and porosity characteristics. This segmentation allows certain regions to provide sufficient void volume for tissue augmentation while other regions maintain flexibility and adaptability, particularly in areas that need to conform to curved surfaces.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If degradable polymers are used instead of inert materials, then chronic complications are reduced, but mechanical properties are lost too fast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition and molecular weight of the degradable polymer materials to control their degradation rate. By adjusting parameters such as polymer chain length, cross-linking density, and crystallinity, the mesh maintains adequate mechanical properties throughout the critical healing period while still degrading completely to avoid chronic complications.
4Strength
If mesh rigidity is increased to maintain mechanical strength, then load support capability is improved, but drapeability and ease of implantation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the mesh with dynamic mechanical properties that change over time. Initially, the mesh provides high rigidity and load support capability. As degradation progresses and tissue regeneration occurs, the mesh gradually becomes more compliant, allowing it to adapt to tissue movement and physiological changes while maintaining sufficient structural support throughout the healing process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a degradable medical implant (10) for regeneration of soft tissue, comprising a plurality of scaffolds (1), and a plurality of connecting elements (2), wherein each scaffold (1) has a surface projected in the x-y plane, of maximum 500 mm2, and wherein the connecting elements (2) bind the scaffolds (1) together in the x-y plane.