Human Umbilical Cord Meningeal Patch for Spinal Cord Detethering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical detethering procedures for spinal cord tethering are often ineffective in preventing recurrence, leading to inconvenient, painful, and costly repeat surgeries due to inadequate meningeal protection of the spinal cord.

Innovation Solution

Implantation of a meningeal patch formed from the outer sheath of a human umbilical cord (HUC) to cover spinal defects, providing anti-inflammatory and anti-scarring properties, and promoting meningeal regeneration to prevent spinal cord tethering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If surgical detethering procedures are performed to free the spinal cord, then spinal cord tethering symptoms are relieved, but tethering recurs and requires repeat surgeries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of detethering procedureVSAvoidfrequency of repeat surgeries

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implanting a meningeal patch (such as an acellular dermal matrix patch) during the initial detethering surgery to prevent scar tissue formation before it can occur. This preventive measure addresses the root cause of tethering recurrence, eliminating the need for repeat surgeries and significantly improving the long-term effectiveness of the detethering procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If conventional surgical detethering procedures are used, then spinal cord tethering is relieved temporarily, but the procedures are inconvenient, painful, and costly when repeated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of treatmentVSAvoiddurability of detethering effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary substance (meningeal patch/acellular dermal matrix) that acts as a barrier between the spinal cord and surrounding tissues. This intermediary prevents direct adhesion and scar tissue formation, thereby maintaining the detethered state without requiring repeated surgical interventions, thus improving both durability and patient convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the spinal cord is not properly protected by meninges, then the spinal cord becomes exposed and tethered to surrounding tissues, but surgical intervention carries risks and requires repeat procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal cord tetheringVSAvoidsurgical procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible meningeal patch (acellular dermal matrix) that conforms to the spinal cord anatomy and provides protective coverage. This thin film structure prevents tethering by creating a barrier between the spinal cord and surrounding tissues, while its flexibility allows it to adapt to the dynamic nature of the spinal cord, reducing the need for complex surgical interventions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS20250387541A1Meningeal repair using human umbilical cord patches

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 BOARD OF RGT THE UNIV OF TEXAS SYST

AI summary

In one embodiment, a method for performing meningeal repair includes closing an open meningeal defect with a human umbilical cord meningeal patch.