Modified Tissue Graft Polygonal Cell Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue grafts face issues with recurrence, stress tears, and inability to expand with increased pressure due to their constrictive nature, limiting their effectiveness in reconstructive and aesthetic procedures, and they do not allow for targeted enhancement based on specific anatomic locations.
Innovation Solution
Modified tissue grafts are created by cutting, compressing, or removing areas of the initial graft using templates or dies to create specific surface patterns and features, allowing for targeted resurfacing that promotes vascular ingrowth, reduces scarring, and enhances expandability and adhesion, thereby addressing specific anatomical and medical needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If current solid tissue grafts with or without perforations are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but the ability to expand with increased pressure is limited and stress tears occur
Solution Approach 1:
The graft is divided into multiple interconnected polygonal cells that can independently expand and contract. This segmentation allows the graft to maintain structural integrity while accommodating pressure changes and expansion requirements, resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The graft incorporates dynamic elements including expandable cells with movable walls and adjustable tensioning members that allow the graft to adapt its structure in response to pressure changes. This dynamic capability enables the graft to maintain integrity while expanding when needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If constrictive tissue grafts are used, then initial placement stability is achieved, but recurrence incidence increases and stress tears occur
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the graft have different properties - some areas are more compliant while others provide structural support. The polygonal cells can locally expand or contract based on specific anatomical requirements, providing both stability and resistance to recurrence simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The graft structure allows for parameter changes in cell size, shape, and tension based on local anatomical conditions. This enables the graft to maintain stability in some areas while adapting to prevent recurrence in others, resolving the contradiction between stability and reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform tissue grafts are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but targeted enhancement for specific anatomic locations is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The modular polygonal cell structure serves multiple functions - it provides structural integrity, allows for expansion, enables targeted resurfacing, and can be manufactured using standardized processes. This universal design resolves the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The graft can be pre-configured with specific cell patterns and properties before implantation, allowing targeted enhancement for specific anatomic locations to be planned and prepared in advance, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving customization.
4Quantity of substance
If perforated tissue grafts are used, then fluid egress is enhanced, but constrictive nature persists limiting expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The polygonal cell structure creates a porous architecture that facilitates fluid egress while maintaining structural integrity. The interconnected cells allow fluid passage without requiring traditional perforations that compromise structural strength or expandability.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of creating a modified tissue graft, at least one exterior surface of a graft is modified by compressing, cutting and/or removing one or more portions thereof, such as to create designed surface features which cause the tissue graft to have characteristics for a specific anatomical area. The modified tissue graft may comprise a medicated graft, such as by associating medicants with the surface features, or by associating a second graft or layer with a modified base tissue graft layer, where medicants are associated with the second graft or layer. The tissue graft may be modified by pressing a specially configured template or die, such as having blades thereon, into the tissue graft, such as to create a pattern of partial depth cuts.