Light-Activated Polymer Coating for Surgical Mesh Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical mesh fixation methods for hernia repair, such as tacks and adhesives, suffer from issues like poor fixation strength, pain, tissue damage, and difficulty in minimally invasive procedures, particularly in intraperitoneal mesh placement, where higher fixation strength is required and adhesions and pain are common.
Innovation Solution
A surgical material coated with a light-activatable polymer composition that allows for non-penetrating, easy-to-use fixation, providing a 'post-it effect' for repositioning and on-demand activation, reducing post-operative pain and adhesions by creating a strong, smooth attachment to tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If tacks are used for mesh fixation, then fixation strength is improved, but post-operative pain and tissue damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical penetration system (tacks physically piercing tissue) with a chemical adhesion system (fibrin-based adhesive bonding tissue to mesh). This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical force that causes pain and tissue damage, while achieving equivalent or superior fixation strength through biochemical bonding mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fixation mechanism from mechanical (tack penetration depth, angle, force) to chemical (adhesive composition, viscosity, activation timing). By controlling parameters such as adhesive viscosity (50-5000 cP) and activation protocols, the system achieves strong fixation without the harmful mechanical effects of tacks.
2Strength
If tacks are used for mesh fixation, then fixation strength is improved, but adhesion to viscera increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical penetration (tacks creating physical anchor points that can snag viscera) with chemical adhesion (fibrin-based bonding that creates a smooth interface). This eliminates mechanical hooks that could catch or damage visceral organs, while maintaining strong fixation through biochemical bonding.
Solution Approach 2:
The fibrin-based adhesive acts as an intermediary layer between the mesh and tissue/viscera. This intermediate substance provides a biocompatible interface that promotes healing while preventing direct mechanical contact and adhesion between the mesh and visceral organs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If adhesives are used for mesh fixation, then pain and adhesion are reduced, but fixation strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite adhesive system combining fibrinogen, thrombin, and calcium chloride that works synergistically to achieve both strong fixation and reduced harm. The fibrinogen-thrombin-calcium combination creates a robust fibrin network that provides superior mechanical strength compared to single-component adhesives, while maintaining the biocompatibility benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes adhesive parameters including viscosity (50-5000 cP), composition ratios, and activation protocols to achieve both strong fixation and minimal harm. By controlling these parameters, the system overcomes the typical weakness of adhesives while preserving their pain-free application benefits.
4Ease of operation
If self-fixating meshes are used, then ease of operation is improved, but fixation strength becomes insufficient for intraperitoneal placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies adhesive pre-coating to the mesh before implantation, preparing the fixation surface in advance. This preliminary action allows the mesh to be easily deployed with self-fixating properties, while the pre-applied adhesive provides the additional fixation strength needed for intraperitoneal placement without requiring complex intraoperative application procedures.
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 polymer-coated surgical material offers improved fixation strength, reduced pain, and easier deployment, allowing for precise positioning and repositioning during surgery, with equivalent or superior performance to existing standards in both acute and chronic tests, minimizing adhesions and tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
the polymer composition can be activated by light
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a novel surgical material comprising mesh and a polymer composition, and its use in treating a hernia and related diseases and conditions. The present disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing the surgical material.