Silicone-Polypropylene Hernia Mesh with Slit Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hernia repair prostheses often lead to postoperative adhesions between the mesh and abdominal viscera, which can result in complications such as intestinal fistulization, and current solutions like physical barriers or coatings are not sufficient to effectively prevent these adhesions and promote tissue growth.
Innovation Solution
A biocompatible, flexible prosthesis with a non-porous silicone membrane and woven polypropylene fiber fabric, featuring a pattern of slits for zero porosity and enhanced tissue ingrowth, coated with hydrophilic and hygroscopic materials to reduce adhesions and promote autogenous tissue growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a prosthetic mesh is used to reinforce the abdominal wall, then the structural strength and durability are improved, but postoperative adhesions between the mesh and abdominal viscera occur
Solution Approach 1:
A thin film barrier layer is introduced as an intermediary between the prosthetic mesh and the abdominal viscera. This barrier physically separates the mesh from the bowel, preventing direct contact and adhesion formation, while still allowing the mesh to perform its structural reinforcement function.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible thin film barrier is applied to the surface of the mesh that contacts the abdominal cavity. This thin film provides a smooth, non-adhesive surface that prevents tissue attachment while conforming to the abdominal cavity contours and allowing mesh flexibility.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a physical barrier is placed between the mesh and abdominal viscera to prevent adhesions, then the incidence of adhesions is reduced, but the barrier alone is insufficient to reinforce the abdominal wall
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines two distinct functions into a single integrated device: the prosthetic mesh provides structural reinforcement and strength, while the applied thin film barrier provides adhesion prevention. The barrier is permanently attached to the mesh, creating a composite structure that delivers both protective and structural functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The device comprises a composite structure with the prosthetic mesh serving as the structural backbone and the thin film barrier as the protective coating. This composite design allows each material to perform its optimal function - the mesh for mechanical strength and the film for preventing tissue adhesion.
3Reliability
If the mesh surface is coated with hydrophilic and hygroscopic materials to promote tissue growth, then biocompatibility is improved, but the coating complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surface properties of the barrier film are modified to exhibit hydrophilic and hygroscopic characteristics. This parameter change in surface chemistry promotes tissue compatibility and encourages autogenous tissue growth into the mesh structure while maintaining the simplicity of the overall device design.
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 prosthesis effectively minimizes postoperative adhesions and supports tissue healing by providing a non-adhesive surface for the gut and promoting vascularization, while being stable, flexible, and indefinitely durable in vivo.
Implementation Method 1
coating the 3D mesh surface with hydrophillic and hygroscopic biocompatible materials
Implementation Method 2
coating the 3D mesh surface with hydrophillic and hygroscopic biocompatible materials
Implementation Method 3
PTFE is hydrophobic and resists adhesions
Data Source
AI summary
An improved abdominal hernia repair system is presented comprised of a silicone layer backed up with a knitted or woven polypropylene fabric layer, the silicone layer possessing a regular pattern of slits that permit equilibration of fluid pressure across the device. A variety of therapeutic substances can be applied to the hernia repair device to promote healing, including aloe and other medicinal preparations.An improved inguinal hernia repair system is presented that is identical to the above except it does not contain the hydrophobic silicone component.