Titanium-Coated Knitted Mesh for Breast Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical mesh implants for breast reconstruction lack customization in elasticity and stretch, leading to inadequate support and comfort, and often result in rejection, infection, and the need for additional surgeries due to poor biocompatibility and stiffness.
Innovation Solution
A knitted medical mesh implant with a thin, flexible titanium coating on synthetic polymeric yarns or threads, providing three-dimensional stretch and enhanced biocompatibility, preventing unraveling and immune response, and allowing for customizable sizing and shape to fit breast tissue naturally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional synthetic mesh materials are used for breast reconstruction, then the mesh provides structural support, but the mesh causes poor biocompatibility, rejection, and infection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining synthetic polymeric mesh with a titanium coating layer. The synthetic mesh provides structural support while the titanium coating enhances biocompatibility and reduces rejection and infection risks, creating a material that exhibits properties superior to either component alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface parameters of the mesh by coating it with titanium. This modifies the chemical and physical properties of the mesh surface, transforming it from a material that causes rejection to one that is biocompatible and resistant to infection, without changing the bulk structural properties.
2Strength
If conventional woven mesh is used for breast reconstruction, then the mesh provides support, but the mesh lacks elasticity and stretch causing stiffness and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameters of the mesh by transitioning from a woven to a knitted configuration. This fundamental structural change enables the mesh to exhibit elasticity and stretch while maintaining its supportive function, allowing it to adapt to breast tissue movement and expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a mesh structure that can change its physical state in response to external forces. The knitted mesh can dynamically expand and contract with breast tissue movement, providing both support and adaptability rather than rigid static support.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional mesh implants are used for breast reconstruction, then the mesh provides structural support, but the mesh requires additional surgeries due to rejection and infection
Solution Approach 1:
The titanium-coated composite structure provides long-term support by combining the durability of synthetic mesh with the biocompatibility of titanium, reducing the frequency of additional surgeries needed for rejection or infection management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent effectively creates a single-use, long-lasting implant that eliminates the need for multiple surgical interventions. The titanium coating ensures the implant remains biocompatible throughout its service life, making it a reliable long-term solution rather than requiring repeated replacements.
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 titanium-coated knitted mesh offers improved biocompatibility, reduced rejection rates, enhanced comfort, and natural movement, while maintaining long-term support and reducing the need for additional surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
a bonding of titanium positioned to cover and provide an interface to the exposed fiber surfaces and contacting body tissue
Data Source
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AI summary
A mesh device for supporting one or a combination of a breast implant or breast tissue is provided formed of interlaced filaments forming a mesh structure which will not unravel when cut across a mid section of the mesh device. A titanium layer positioned on the exterior surface of the filaments of the mesh provide both a biocompatible interface with surrounding tissue and enhanced engagement of the filaments to prevent unraveling.