Flowable Tissue Matrix Particles for Irregular Defects
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue products, such as sheets and particulate materials, are not well-suited for filling tissue defects of varying size and geometry, and may not allow adequate cellular ingrowth and vascular formation due to insufficient porosity and flowability.
Innovation Solution
The development of dry, substantially spherical tissue matrix particles with diameters between 1 mm and 5 mm, formed from tissue fragments with frayed ends that interlock to create stable structures, allowing for a flowable mass that can be poured into tissue sites and conform to irregular geometries, facilitating cellular ingrowth and vascularization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If particulate tissue matrices are used to fill tissue defects, then filling capability is improved, but flowability and conformability to irregular geometries deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue matrix particles are formed as substantially spherical shapes with smooth surfaces. This spherical morphology enables the particles to flow like granular material when poured into tissue defects, while still providing adequate filling volume. The curved spherical shape allows better conformability to irregular geometries compared to angular or irregularly shaped particles.
2Stability of the object's composition
If tissue matrix particles are made with frayed ends that interlock, then structural stability is improved, but porosity for cellular ingrowth deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each spherical particle is segmented into multiple tissue matrix fragments (typically 3-20 fragments per particle) with frayed ends that interlock to form the spherical shape. This segmentation provides structural stability through interlocking fragments while maintaining porosity within each particle and between particles, allowing cellular ingrowth through the fragment spaces.
3Ease of operation
If tissue matrix is processed into fine particles, then flowability is improved, but susceptibility to damage during storage and implantation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the particle size parameter to a specific range (1 mm to 5 mm diameter) that balances flowability and damage resistance. Additionally, the tissue matrix fragments within each particle are treated to create frayed ends that interlock, enhancing structural integrity. The spherical shape with smooth surface further reduces susceptibility to mechanical damage during handling and implantation while maintaining adequate flow properties.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present disclosure provides tissue fillers. The tissue fillers can include a plurality of tissue particles formed from acellular tissue matrix fragments. The tissue fillers can be used to fill tissue sites, such as voids formed after tissue resection.