Perforated Tissue Matrix with Patterned Holes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing acellular tissue matrix products for surgical applications often lack preformed holes, which can hinder fluid drainage and secure fixation, while introducing holes can compromise mechanical properties such as tensile strength and suture retention.

Innovation Solution

The development of tissue matrix products with preformed holes arranged in specific patterns, such as a repeating motif of five holes, to enhance fluid flow and fixation while maintaining the sheet's mechanical strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If holes are introduced in the tissue matrix to improve fluid drainage and fixation, then fluid flow and fixation capability are improved, but tensile strength and suture retention are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid drainage and fixation capabilityVSAvoidtensile strength and suture retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating holes with specific geometric characteristics (non-circular cross-section, varying dimensions) at specific locations throughout the tissue matrix. Each hole's shape and size are optimized for its local function - some regions prioritize fluid drainage while others prioritize suture retention. The holes have non-uniform cross-sections that taper along their length, with larger openings at certain ends for drainage and smaller openings for suture anchoring, thereby achieving different functional qualities in different local regions of the same structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying multiple parameters of the holes including: cross-sectional shape (non-circular), dimensions (maximum dimension 0.5-5.0 mm), orientation (angular distribution), and position throughout the tissue matrix. These parameter variations allow optimization of fluid flow characteristics while maintaining structural integrity. The holes are configured with specific angular orientations and spacing patterns that prevent stress concentration and maintain tensile strength above 60% of the original tissue matrix strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If a regular pattern of holes is used to simplify manufacturing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but mechanical strength distribution becomes non-uniform

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehole placement consistencyVSAvoiduniform strength distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by deliberately designing holes with non-circular cross-sections and varying orientations rather than uniform circular holes. The holes have asymmetric geometries with different dimensions in different directions, and their orientations follow specific angular distributions rather than random or purely regular patterns. This asymmetric design prevents stress concentration that would occur with regular circular holes while maintaining manufacturing precision through defined geometric parameters and placement patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3346946B1Perforated tissue matrix
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 LIFECELL CORP
  • EP3346946B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3346946B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3346946B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to tissue matrix products. The products can includes tissue matrices (10) that have holes or perforations (20) located at certain positions to improve certain in vivo functions without substantial loss of strength or other important properties.