Sprayable Biomaterial Adhesive for Hernia Mesh Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for attaching lightweight hernia meshes to tissue are challenging due to their tendency to fold and move during implantation, making it difficult for surgeons to correctly position them before securing with staples or sutures.
Innovation Solution
A sprayable material with functional groups capable of binding to tissue and implants, allowing for temporary attachment and repositioning of meshes before permanent fixation, utilizing nucleotides for hydrogen bonding and surface features like dimples or textures to enhance contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If mesh weight is reduced to make it softer and more compliant with tissue, then postoperative complications and pain are reduced, but handling and positioning during implantation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A sprayable adhesive composition is applied to the tissue as an intermediary substance. This adhesive temporarily bonds the lightweight mesh to the tissue, enabling easy positioning and adjustment during surgery. The adhesive acts as a mediator that compensates for the reduced weight and handling difficulty of the ultra-lightweight mesh.
2Weight of moving object
If mesh weight is reduced to improve tissue compliance, then softness and flexibility increase, but the mesh folds and grips itself during placement
Solution Approach 1:
The sprayable adhesive is applied to the tissue before the mesh is placed. This preliminary action creates a stable bonding surface that prevents the lightweight mesh from folding or gripping itself during placement. The adhesive is prepared in advance to ensure the mesh maintains its position once applied.
3Weight of moving object
If mesh weight is reduced for better tissue conformity, then pliability improves, but the mesh falls down due to gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The sprayable adhesive serves as an intermediary bonding agent that counteracts gravitational force. By creating a chemical bond between the mesh and tissue through the adhesive layer, the lightweight mesh is prevented from falling down due to gravity, while maintaining its ultra-lightweight properties for tissue compliance.
4Reliability
If permanent fixation methods are used immediately, then mesh positioning is secured, but adjustment and repositioning capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation process occurs in two periodic stages: first, temporary bonding with the sprayable adhesive allows positioning and adjustment; second, permanent fixation with staples or sutures secures the final position. This periodic approach to fixation provides both adaptability during positioning and reliability in the final state.
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
Facilitates controlled placement and adjustment of meshes during surgery, reducing complications and improving handling in wet environments by providing temporary adhesion until more permanent fixation methods can be applied.
Implementation Method 1
the sprayable material including at least one functional group capable of binding to tissue
Implementation Method 2
the at least one nucleotide on the sprayable material to bond with the second nucleotide on the implant, thereby binding the implant to the sprayable material
Implementation Method 3
The device may then be heated to a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the polymeric material utilized to form the device after applying the implant to the sprayable material. The material used to fabricate the device softens and becomes smoother
Data Source
AI summary
A method for attaching an implant to tissue is disclosed. In embodiments, a method includes applying a sprayable material to tissue, the sprayable material possessing functional groups capable of binding to tissue. The sprayable material also possesses functional groups capable of binding to an implant. In embodiments, the functional groups capable of binding to an implant include nucleotides. In such a case, the implant possesses complementary nucleotides capable of binding to the nucleotides on the sprayable material, thereby permitting hydrogen binding between the two. The implant may thus be affixed to tissue, and repositioned as necessary, prior to more permanent attachment utilizing means such as sutures, tacks, etc.