Pelvic Tissue Repair Compositions for Stronger Native Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical repair methods for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) using biologic or synthetic grafts face issues such as inadequate strength, integration with tissue, mesh erosion, dyspareunia, infection, and altered anatomic position due to non-native ligaments, which are often too weak for organ support.
Innovation Solution
Application of compositions, including hydrogels, plugs, and grafts, to support tissues like ligaments and muscles, promoting tissue regeneration and remodeling, and using visualization devices for precise application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biologic grafts are used to provide support for prolapsed organs, then integration with tissue is improved, but strength for organ support deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials combining biologic components (for tissue integration) with synthetic reinforcement elements (for strength). The graft structure integrates biologic material that promotes tissue compatibility with synthetic components that provide mechanical support, resolving the contradiction between integration and strength requirements.
2Strength
If synthetic grafts are used to provide support for prolapsed organs, then strength for organ support is improved, but complications such as mesh erosion, dyspareunia, and infection occur
Solution Approach 1:
The composite graft structure combines synthetic strength-providing components with biologic material that reduces complications. The biologic layer acts as a barrier reducing mesh erosion and infection risk while the synthetic core maintains structural support, thereby reducing harmful factors while preserving strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the graft have different properties: the synthetic portion provides strength where mechanical support is needed, while the biologic portion contacts tissues to prevent erosion and infection. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between strength and complication reduction.
3Strength
If alternative ligaments such as sacrospinous ligament are used to attach grafts, then organ support strength is improved, but anatomic position and tissue biomechanics are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The graft acts as an intermediary element between the alternative ligament and the organ. It distributes forces more evenly across the tissue, reducing the altered biomechanical stress concentration that would otherwise occur at the ligament-organ attachment site, thereby preserving more normal tissue mechanics while maintaining support strength.
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, the present invention provides surgical procedures that comprise applying compositions into and/or onto tissue, including supporting tissues (e.g., ligaments, connective tissue, muscles, etc.) for pelvic organs, among other tissues. In other aspects, the present disclosure pertains to compositions that are useful for performing such procedures. In still other aspects, the present disclosure pertains to kits that are useful for performing such procedures.