Implantable Scaffold With Random Non-Absorbable Filament Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implantable scaffolds made from predominantly non-absorbable materials can be felt by users and restrict movement or flexibility due to their persistent presence in the body after tissue ingrowth, as they do not degrade and are absorbed over time.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional implantable device composed of a unique arrangement of absorbable and non-absorbable materials, where the absorbable fibers are subjected to heat treatments to buckle and melt, creating a randomly oriented, non-structural array that allows for tissue ingrowth and eventual absorption, reducing the feel and bulk of the device post-absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If scaffold devices include non-absorbable materials, then structural support and durability are improved, but the device may be felt by the user and restrict movement or flexibility after implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The scaffold is segmented into absorbable and non-absorbable material regions, with the non-absorbable materials strategically positioned to provide structural support only where needed, while absorbable materials are placed in regions that benefit from flexibility and tissue integration, reducing the overall feel and restriction of movement
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical properties of the scaffold are changed over time through the degradation of absorbable materials, transitioning from a stiffer initial state that provides structural support to a more flexible final state that allows natural movement, thereby resolving the contradiction between strength and flexibility
2Stability of the object's composition
If scaffold devices include non-absorbable materials, then structural integrity is maintained, but the device remains in the body indefinitely and may complicate movement
Solution Approach 1:
Absorbable materials are extracted from the scaffold structure over time through biological degradation, allowing the non-absorbable materials to maintain structural integrity only as long as needed, after which the absorbable portions are completely removed by the body, reducing the duration of foreign object presence
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbable materials serve as temporary structural elements that are discarded by the body through natural degradation and absorption processes, while the non-absorbable materials are retained only in minimal amounts necessary for long-term structural support, optimizing the balance between integrity and duration
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 device provides a tissue-like feel and flexibility, allowing for natural movement while maintaining support, as the absorbable components degrade and are absorbed, leaving behind a minimal amount of non-absorbable fibers that do not impede movement or cause discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting the initial woven structure to a first heat treatment at a first temperature sufficient to cause shrinkage of the first absorbable filament
Implementation Method 2
heating the initial heated structure to a second temperature, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature, where at least a portion of the first absorbable filament is melted
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable structure, method for making the structure and method for using the structure, where the structure includes a combination of non-absorbable and absorbable components, and the implantable structure has a randomly uniform array of materials. The resulting implantable structure provides improved tissue ingrowth and flexibility after implantation and after absorption of the absorbable materials.