Processed Adipose Tissue for Stable Tissue Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tissue reconstruction, such as fat transfer and synthetic implants, face limitations including variable persistence, donor site morbidity, and complications like calcifications, which affect breast reconstruction and cancer patients, requiring multiple procedures and causing anxiety due to interference with mammography readings.
Innovation Solution
The development of processed adipose tissue (PAT) is achieved by isolating adipose from mammalian tissue through mechanical manipulation and serial washes in sterile saline, followed by sterilization and potential combination with biopolymer scaffolds, to create a biocompatible, acellular biomaterial suitable for tissue reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If autologous fat transfer is used for tissue reconstruction, then permanent restoration of tissue is achieved, but persistence varies widely (30-90%) and requires multiple procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing adipose tissue ex vivo to remove adipocytes and extracellular matrix components before implantation. This pre-preparation ensures that the tissue graft survives without requiring multiple procedures, as the processed tissue is designed to integrate successfully in a single implantation event.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes specific components (adipocytes and extracellular matrix) from the adipose tissue while retaining the desired structural framework. This extraction process eliminates the variables that cause unpredictable persistence, allowing for more consistent and permanent tissue restoration in a single procedure.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If tissue flaps from abdomen or back are used for breast reconstruction, then permanent restoration is achieved, but donor site morbidity and extended recovery time occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts adipose tissue from the patient's own body (autologous source) and processes it locally, eliminating the need to transfer large tissue flaps from distant donor sites like the abdomen or back. This extraction approach provides permanent restoration without the donor site morbidity associated with traditional flap procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and biological parameters of the adipose tissue through ex vivo processing, transforming it from a state requiring large-volume flap transfer to a processed material that can be implanted with minimal donor site impact. This parameter change enables permanent restoration while avoiding donor site morbidity.
3Volume of stationary object
If adipose tissue is implanted for reconstruction, then tissue volume is restored, but post-operative calcifications occur that interfere with mammography
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes adipocytes from the adipose tissue during processing, which are the cells that would otherwise undergo necrosis and calcify post-implantation. This extraction of problematic cells eliminates the source of calcifications while preserving the tissue framework needed for volume restoration, allowing mammography to proceed without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of adipocyte presence (which leads to calcification) into a benefit by selectively removing these cells while retaining the structural framework. The processed tissue provides volume restoration without the harmful calcification side effect, improving both cosmetic outcome and diagnostic imaging capability.
4Ease of manufacture
If synthetic or naturally derived biomaterials are used for tissue reconstruction, then tissue substitution is achieved, but materials are degraded and replacement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent processes adipose tissue to create an acellular framework that serves as a permanent structural substitute. Unlike synthetic materials that degrade, this processed autologous tissue framework integrates with host tissue and provides long-term persistence, eliminating the need for replacement while maintaining ease of manufacture through minimally invasive harvesting.
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 use of PAT provides a stable, long-lasting tissue reconstruction solution with reduced immune response, minimizing the need for multiple procedures and avoiding complications like calcifications, while maintaining a natural feel and volume, enhancing clinical outcomes for breast reconstruction and other cosmetic applications.
Implementation Method 1
The method optionally includes sterilizing the processed adipose tissue, for example by irradiation or contact with an appropriate gas
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides compositions and methods for the preparation of biocompatible biomaterials from adipose tissue. Biocompatible biomaterials are cellular or acellular biomaterials. The invention further provides methods of use of the biocompatible biomaterials.