Resorbable Mesh with Interlocking Knitted Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mesh implants for hernia repair, made of non-resorbable materials, have limited elasticity and can cause discomfort and recurrence due to foreign body reactions, and existing resorbable mesh implants face challenges in gradually transferring load to regenerating tissue during healing.
Innovation Solution
A resorbable polymeric mesh with an interlocking knitted structure using two or more sets of fibers with different degradation times, allowing for a stepwise increase in relative distension over time, which restricts movement during initial healing and gradually increases flexibility as the first set of fibers degrades, allowing regenerating tissue to take over the load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If non-resorbable mesh materials are used to provide long-term structural support, then the mechanical strength and stability of the mesh is improved, but the elasticity and biocompatibility deteriorate due to foreign body reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from non-resorbable to resorbable polymers, allowing the mesh to gradually degrade and be absorbed by the body. This eliminates foreign body reactions while maintaining mechanical support during the critical healing period. The resorbable nature enables the mesh to transfer load progressively to regenerating tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining different resorbable polymers with varying degradation rates. This allows the mesh to maintain structural integrity initially while providing controlled degradation over time, balancing mechanical strength with biocompatibility requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If resorbable mesh materials are used to eliminate foreign body reactions, then biocompatibility is improved, but the mechanical strength and load-bearing capacity deteriorate over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mesh structure into multiple layers or zones with different resorbability characteristics. Some portions degrade faster while others maintain strength longer, allowing differentiated load transfer that matches the progressive healing of surrounding tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the mechanical properties of the mesh change over time through controlled degradation. The mesh transitions from a high-strength support structure to a gradually softer material, dynamically adapting its load-bearing capacity to match tissue regeneration progress.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid mesh structure is used to provide immediate structural support, then the mechanical stability is improved, but the adaptability to tissue movement and expansion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible knitted or woven mesh structures that can stretch and conform to tissue movement. The interlocking fiber structure provides initial stability while allowing elastic deformation to accommodate physiological movements and tissue expansion during healing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic mechanical system where the mesh stiffness evolves over time. Initially rigid to provide structural stability, the mesh gradually becomes more flexible as materials degrade, allowing increased adaptability to tissue movement as healing progresses.
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
This solution minimizes the risk of post-operative rupture and discomfort by facilitating proper tissue regeneration and load transfer, eliminating the need for inert, non-resorbable supports and promoting the ingrowth of new tissue, while being completely absorbed by the body.
Implementation Method 1
the filaments of the first set of fibers restrict the movement of the part of the mesh formed by the second set of fibers
Implementation Method 2
wherein the second type of fibers is substantially degraded at a later point in time than the first type of fibers, following the time of implantation
Implementation Method 3
allowing regenerating tissue to take over the load
Data Source
AI summary
A resorbable polymeric mesh implant is provided for use in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects. The mesh implant is provided with an interlocking knitted structure comprising two or more sets of fibers with different times of degradation, allowing a stepwise increase in the relative distension of the overall mesh over time. The filamentous fibers are knitted together, wherein the filaments of the first set of fibers are interlaced into the filaments of the second set of fibers and at least partly traverse the knit pattern of the second set of fibers such that the filaments of the first set of fibers lock the movement of the part of the mesh formed by the second set of fibers.