Multilayer Surgical Membrane for Bone Regeneration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical techniques for repairing critical sized diaphyseal long bone defects, such as the Ilizarov technique, are labor-intensive, uncomfortable for patients, and ineffective in cases with insufficient periosteum, limiting the restoration of form and function in bone defects.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer surgical membrane with a fluid-impermeable outer layer, an inner layer with fenestrae, and a middle region that includes channels to facilitate the vectorial delivery of periosteal factors from endogenous periosteum to bone defects, utilizing physiological movement to enhance tissue regeneration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the Ilizarov technique of distraction osteogenesis is used to treat large bone defects, then bone regeneration can be achieved, but the treatment becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone regenerationVSAvoidtreatment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical membrane is pre-loaded with periosteal factors and growth factors before implantation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for prolonged in-situ stimulation and continuous surgical intervention required by the Ilizarov technique, thereby reducing treatment time while maintaining bone regeneration reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The surgical membrane acts as an intermediary carrier that delivers periosteal factors and growth factors directly to the bone defect site. This mediator approach replaces the complex distraction osteogenesis mechanism with a more direct factor delivery system, reducing the labor-intensive nature of the treatment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the Ilizarov technique is used for bone defect repair, then bone can be regenerated, but patient compliance requirements increase and discomfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone regenerationVSAvoidpatient compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical membrane is designed to be self-regulating, utilizing the body's own physiological movements (walking, running) to activate factor delivery through mechanical compression and tension. This eliminates the need for patient compliance with complex external fixation devices and rigorous rehabilitation protocols, while maintaining bone regeneration through autonomous biological response

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the Ilizarov technique is used to treat bone defects, then bone repair can be achieved, but complication rates increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone repairVSAvoidcomplication rates

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical membrane extracts and concentrates the essential periosteal factors and growth factors from the surrounding tissue, delivering them directly to the defect site. This extraction approach eliminates the need for complex external fixation and prolonged immobilization required by the Ilizarov technique, thereby reducing complication rates while maintaining bone repair effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If conventional surgical techniques are used for critical sized bone defects, then bone defects can be treated, but the treatment becomes complex and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone defect treatmentVSAvoidsurgical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical membrane is segmented into multiple functional layers: an outer boundary layer for structural integrity, an inner layer with fenestrae for factor delivery, and a middle region with channels for fluid transport. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall surgical procedure while maintaining effective bone defect treatment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 membrane effectively delivers periosteal factors to bone defects, promoting tissue growth and regeneration by mimicking the natural periosteum's vascular channels and fibrous structure, thereby improving bone repair and reducing treatment duration and complications.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one channel can imbibe fluid under a compressive or tensile load and the fenestrae can deform to exude fluid under the load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid imbibition and exusion under mechanical load: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS8979942B2Multilayer surgical membrane

Publication Date: 2015.03.17 CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIV

AI summary

One aspect of the present invention relates to a multilayer surgical membrane. The surgical membrane can include a substantially fluid impermeable outer layer, an inner layer that includes a plurality of fenestrae, and a middle region disposed between the inner and outer layers. The middle region can include at least one channel that extends through the middle region. The middle region can have a first surface in contact with the inner layer. The at least one channel can imbibe fluid under a compressive or tensile load and the fenestrae can deform to exude fluid under the load.