Multi-layer Fibrillar Mesh for Soft Tissue Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current synthetic techniques for soft tissue repair, such as surgical meshes, often lack the necessary flexibility and tensile strength to effectively reinforce tendons and ligaments, which are subject to continuous stress and movement, and may be too stiff or have limited pliability.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer planar fibrillar structure with intermittently secured edge portions, made from bioabsorbable or non-bioabsorbable materials like glycolide and polypropylene, which approximates the mechanical properties of soft tissue by providing enhanced strength and flexibility, and can include a bioactive agent for enhanced healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If surgical meshes are made with monofilament yarn to provide reinforcement, then reinforcement ability is improved, but pliability and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical mesh combines monofilament yarn for structural reinforcement with multifilament yarn for flexibility and pliability. This composite construction allows the mesh to simultaneously achieve high reinforcement ability while maintaining the adaptability needed to move with tendons and ligaments during physiological motion.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mesh utilize different yarn types - monofilament yarn in areas requiring maximum strength and reinforcement, while multifilament yarn is used in areas requiring greater flexibility and pliability. This localized material selection optimizes both reinforcement ability and adaptability throughout the mesh structure.
2Strength
If surgical meshes are made stiffer to endure stress and tension, then tensile strength is improved, but flexibility and ability to move with tendon deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh employs a composite yarn structure where monofilament yarn provides the tensile strength needed to endure stress and tension, while multifilament yarn contributes flexibility. This composite approach allows the mesh to maintain high tensile strength while remaining flexible enough to move with the tendon during physiological activity.
3Strength
If surgical meshes are made with dense structure to provide strength, then reinforcement ability is improved, but porosity for tissue growth deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh structure varies locally in density - areas requiring high reinforcement have tighter knit structures with monofilament yarn, while areas requiring tissue ingrowth have more open porous structures. This localized variation allows the mesh to simultaneously provide structural strength where needed and facilitate tissue regeneration where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of monofilament and multifilament yarns creates a composite structure that achieves reinforcement through the monofilament components while the multifilament components maintain porosity and facilitate tissue growth. The composite material system balances strength and porosity requirements.
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 multi-layer planar fibrillar structure effectively reinforces soft tissues like tendons and ligaments with a suitable stiffness, tensile strength, and failure strain, while maintaining flexibility, thereby promoting effective tissue repair and regeneration.
Implementation Method 1
The edge portion of the implant may be intermittently secured by intermittent ultrasonic welds
Data Source
AI summary
Synthetic structures for soft tissue repair include a multi-layer planar fibrillar structure having layers which are intermittently secured to each other and which approximates mechanical properties comparable to those of soft tissue. In embodiments, the fibrillar structure possesses an intermittently secured edge portion secured by intermittent welds. In embodiments, the multi layer planar fibrillar structure includes a bioactive agent.