Resorbable Mesh Implant 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 incompatibility with the abdominal wall, and existing resorbable mesh implants lack mechanisms to facilitate gradual tissue load transfer during healing.
Innovation Solution
A resorbable polymeric mesh with an interlocking knitted structure comprising two or more sets of fibers with different degradation times, allowing a stepwise increase in relative distension over time, which restricts tissue movement during initial healing and gradually increases flexibility as the mesh degrades, enabling the regenerating tissue to take over the load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a non-resorbable mesh implant is used to provide long-term structural support, then the mechanical strength and stability are improved, but the elasticity and biocompatibility deteriorate due to incompatibility with the abdominal wall
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh implant is divided into multiple fiber layers with different degradation rates. The first layer contains rapidly degradable polymer fibers that provide initial mechanical support, while the second layer contains slowly degradable polymer fibers that maintain structural integrity longer. This segmentation allows the mesh to progressively transfer load to regenerating tissue while maintaining appropriate elasticity at each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh implant utilizes changes in material degradation parameters over time. The rapidly degradable fibers lose their mechanical properties within weeks to months, while the slowly degradable fibers maintain strength for years. This temporal parameter change enables the mesh to adapt its mechanical properties dynamically, transitioning from a rigid support structure to a flexible, tissue-compatible scaffold.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a resorbable mesh implant is used to improve biocompatibility and eliminate foreign body reactions, then the long-term safety is improved, but the ability to facilitate gradual tissue load transfer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resorbable mesh is segmented into fibers with different degradation kinetics. The rapidly degradable fibers provide initial mechanical support during the critical early healing phase, while the slowly degradable fibers extend support through the later remodeling phase. This segmentation ensures continuous load transfer capability throughout the entire tissue regeneration process while maintaining biocompatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-layer resorbable mesh structure ensures continuous mechanical support and load transfer capability throughout the entire degradation process. As one fiber population degrades, the other maintains structural integrity, creating a continuous transition rather than abrupt loss of support. This continuity prevents tissue failure during the critical transition period while eliminating permanent foreign material.
3Ease of manufacture
If a mesh implant with uniform degradation rate is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ability to match varying tissue healing requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh is manufactured with distinct fiber populations having different degradation rates, allowing customization for specific clinical applications. The rapid-degradation fibers can be adjusted for acute healing phases, while slow-degradation fibers address chronic or complex repairs. This segmentation provides manufacturing flexibility to match various tissue healing requirements while using standardized production processes.
Data Source
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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.