Dual-Layer Fabric Prosthesis With Bioabsorbable Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic devices for repairing tissue wall defects near tube-like structures, such as inguinal hernias, face challenges in effectively isolating the tube-like structure from the edges of the repair fabric, leading to potential adhesion, erosion, or integration issues.
Innovation Solution
A dual-fabric layer prosthesis with a passageway that includes a first fabric layer with a narrower cross-sectional area than the second layer, featuring a bioabsorbable polymer barrier that obstructs contact between the tube-like structure and the second fabric layer's edge, and can be configured as a patch with specific edge barriers to prevent adhesion and promote tissue ingrowth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mesh fabric with an opening is used to receive the tube-like structure, then the tube-like structure can pass through the prosthesis, but the edges of the mesh fabric may come into contact with the tube-like structure causing adhesion, erosion, or integration issues
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into multiple functional layers: a first fabric layer with a first opening for the tube-like structure, and a second fabric layer with a second opening. This segmentation allows different layers to perform different functions - the first layer provides the passage while the second layer provides structural support, preventing direct contact between tube-like structure edges and potentially harmful fabric edges.
Solution Approach 2:
A barrier layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the tube-like structure and the fabric layers. This barrier layer extends across the first opening and prevents direct contact between the tube-like structure and the fabric edges, thereby eliminating adhesion and erosion issues while maintaining the passage function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a barrier layer is added to prevent contact between the tube-like structure and fabric edges, then adhesion and erosion are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier layer is merged with the first fabric layer to form a composite structure. The barrier layer is attached to the first fabric layer, creating an integrated component that combines the protective barrier function with the structural support function of the fabric layer, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adhesion prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis uses composite material construction where the barrier layer (made of materials like PTFE, ePTFE, or other biocompatible materials) is combined with the fabric layers (made of mesh, knit, or woven materials). This composite approach allows each material to contribute its specific properties - the barrier layer provides non-adhesive surfaces while the fabric layers provide structural integrity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cross-sectional area of the passageway through the first fabric layer is made smaller than through the second fabric layer, then the tube-like structure is better isolated from fabric edges, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis exhibits local quality variations where the first fabric layer has a smaller opening cross-sectional area compared to the second fabric layer's opening. This local differentiation is strategically applied at the interface with the tube-like structure to provide better isolation and protection, while the second layer maintains a larger opening for structural support. The barrier layer is locally positioned at the first opening to enhance the isolation effect.
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 solution effectively isolates the tube-like structure from the repair fabric edges, reducing adhesion and erosion risks while facilitating tissue ingrowth and repair, with the bioabsorbable barrier resorbing over time to allow for stable tissue integration.
Implementation Method 1
a bioabsorbable polymer barrier that obstructs contact between the tube-like structure and the second fabric layer's edge
Data Source
AI summary
Implantable prostheses for repairing soft tissue defects near an anatomical tube and methods for their manufacture are described. Exemplary prostheses may be implanted at a soft tissue repair site, for example, in treating an inguinal hernia. An implantable prosthesis may include a patch made up of two co-knit fabric layers, and a passageway for receiving an anatomical cord extending through the fabric layers. The passageway is configured through the first fabric layer so as to minimize the prospects of the cord-like structure contacting the portion of the second fabric layer defining the passageway therethrough. The passageway through the first fabric layer may include a barrier.