Biodegradable Polyurethane Laminate for Shrink-Resistant Tissue Repair
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hernia repair meshes face issues such as high recurrence rates due to inadequate fixation, shrinkage, and altered collagen synthesis, leading to mechanical instability and increased risk of herniation, particularly with biologically-derived matrices and lighter meshes.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer tissue repair laminate composed of biodegradable polyurethane foam layers with a configured pore structure for cellular infiltration, sandwiched between biodegradable thermoplastic polyurethane structural layers, which are designed to minimize shrinkage, enhance mechanical strength, and facilitate tissue integration while degrading over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If biologically-derived matrices are used to provide strength for hernia repair, then the mesh strength is improved, but the weight increases and shrinkage resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining synthetic polypropylene mesh with biologically-derived dermal matrix components. This creates a hybrid structure that leverages the tensile strength and dimensional stability of synthetic materials while incorporating the bioactive properties and tissue integration capabilities of biological materials, thereby achieving both high strength and resistance to shrinkage without excessive weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a mesh structure where different regions have different properties. The synthetic polypropylene provides structural framework with high strength and low weight, while strategically placed biologically-derived matrix components provide localized areas for tissue integration and controlled shrinkage, optimizing the overall performance without uniformly increasing weight throughout the entire mesh
2Weight of moving object
If lighter meshes are used to reduce weight, then ease of handling is improved, but mesh strength deteriorates and recurrence risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials combining lightweight synthetic polypropylene with biologically-derived matrix components. This composite structure maintains low overall weight for ease of handling during surgery while the synergistic combination of materials provides sufficient strength to prevent hernia recurrence, overcoming the limitation of light-weight meshes
3Reliability
If meshes are used to reduce hernia recurrence, then reliability is improved, but harmful factors increase due to foreign body response and altered collagen synthesis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces biologically-derived dermal matrix components as intermediary elements between the synthetic mesh and the host tissue. These biological components act as mediators that facilitate natural tissue integration, modulate the foreign body response, and promote balanced collagen synthesis (Type I and Type III), thereby reducing harmful inflammatory reactions while maintaining the reliability of hernia repair
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the biochemical properties of the mesh through incorporation of biological matrix components. This changes the surface characteristics and degradation profile of the mesh, transforming it from a purely inert foreign body into a bioactive implant that actively promotes tissue regeneration and reduces harmful immune responses while maintaining structural reliability
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 laminate provides enhanced resistance to in vivo shrinkage, maintains high mechanical strength, supports tissue integration, and eliminates the need for surgical removal, reducing hernia recurrence by promoting controlled biodegradability and cellular infiltration.
Implementation Method 1
foam layers comprise a pore structure configured for cellular infiltration
Implementation Method 2
one or more biodegradable thermoplastic polyurethane structural layers
Implementation Method 3
controlled biodegradability
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
There are provided tissue repair laminates containing at least two biodegradable polyurethane foam layers and a polyurethane structural layer. The biodegradable polyurethane is derived from biodegradable polyols. The laminates resist shrinkage under in vivo conditions and possess desirable mechanical properties such as high tensile strength. The laminates find use in, for example, the repair of tissue or muscle wall defects.