One-Sided Surgical Mesh Coating With Controlled Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying ingrowth-preventing coatings on surgical meshes result in irregular penetration, potentially preventing tissue integration on one side while allowing adhesion on the other, leading to hernia recurrence.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a controlled application of a liquid ingrowth-preventing coating that penetrates partially into the surgical mesh during a curing process, ensuring it remains on one side without penetrating through to the other, using a release sheet and controlled pressure to form a mechanical interlock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If mechanical compression is used to apply the ingrowth-preventing coating, then the coating is applied to the mesh, but the coating penetrates irregularly and may prevent tissue ingrowth on the abdominal wall side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical compression with a chemical curing process. The coating is applied as a liquid that is then cured in place, eliminating the need for mechanical pressure application. This substitution allows the coating to set uniformly without being forced through the mesh by compression forces, thereby achieving consistent penetration control and preventing irregular blockage of the abdominal wall side pores.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the coating from solid (requiring mechanical compression) to liquid (allowing controlled penetration), and then cures it to solid form in place. This parameter change enables the coating to penetrate to the desired extent during the liquid state and then lock in that configuration during curing, achieving uniform penetration without the harmful effects of mechanical compression.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the coating penetrates deeply into the mesh, then it prevents ingrowth on the coated side, but it may also prevent ingrowth on the abdominal wall side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the coating with controlled local penetration depth. By adjusting the coating viscosity, application method, and curing parameters, the coating penetrates only to the extent needed to seal the abdominal cavity side pores while stopping before blocking the abdominal wall side pores. This local quality control ensures that each side of the mesh maintains its intended function: adhesion prevention on one side and tissue integration on the other.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the coating is applied to prevent internal organ adhesion, then it creates a barrier on the abdominal cavity side, but it may reduce tissue integration on the abdominal wall side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the coating in a controlled partial manner, allowing it to penetrate only to the extent necessary to prevent adhesion on the abdominal cavity side. By using partial action rather than full penetration, the coating achieves its adhesion-preventing function without over-penetrating to the abdominal wall side, thereby maintaining the mesh's ability to integrate with surrounding tissues and achieve strong, durable repairs.
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 coating effectively prevents tissue ingrowth on one side while allowing integration on the other, enhancing surgical mesh performance and reducing hernia recurrence.
Implementation Method 1
a porous non-knitted/non-woven material 20... comprising a matrix of synthetic fibers (e.g., polypropylene) fused together... so as to form a composite structure
Implementation Method 2
a tissue ingrowth-preventing coating applied to said second surface of said surgical mesh; wherein said tissue ingrowth-preventing coating penetrates only part way through said surgical mesh
Data Source
AI summary
A coated surgical mesh, the coated surgical mesh comprising: a surgical mesh, the surgical mesh comprising a first surface and a second surface; and a tissue ingrowth-preventing coating applied to the second surface of the surgical mesh; wherein the tissue ingrowth-preventing coating penetrates a controllable amount part way through the surgical mesh.