Bioerodible matrix for tissue involvement

Abstract

Disclosed herein are polyurethane polymer matrices with a porosity of from about 20 microns to about 90 microns that are useful in promoting closure and protection of incision sites; supporting the lower pole position of breast implants; and providing a partial or complete covering of breast implants to provide a beneficial interface with host tissue and to reduce the potential for malpositioning or capsular contracture. The disclosed matrices can be seeded with mammalian cells.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 705,177, filed Feb. 12, 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 164,344, filed Mar. 27, 2009, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by this reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to medical implants for reconstruction, augmentation and / or wound healing and more specifically relates to such implants including a polymer component and a cellular component.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Often following damage such as a surgical incision, skin can benefit from additional support to promote wound healing. This is in part because spontaneous recovery can require a long period of time and pain can continue throughout the repair process.[0004]Repair of soft tissue defects also is critical following reconstructive and augmentative surgeries. For example, more than 250,000 reconstructive procedures are per...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about bioresorbable polymer implants that can be used in reconstructive surgical procedures and promoting wound healing. These implants are structured to be used in conjunction with traditional breast implants to provide support and prevent malpositioning or capsular contracture. The implants can be in the form of matrices that are porous and can be seeded with stem cells or other viable tissue to promote growth and infection control. The matrices can be used as a partial or complete covering of breast implants to provide a beneficial interface with host tissue. The invention also includes methods for promoting wound healing or closure, enhancing support of breast implants, and providing a beneficial interface between host tissue and prostheses. The matrices can be made from polymers like polyurethane or polycarolactone and can be implanted at surgical incision sites.

Problems solved by technology

This is in part because spontaneous recovery can require a long period of time and pain can continue throughout the repair process.

Women afflicted with breast cancer, congenital defects or damage resulting from trauma have very few alternatives to reconstruction.

These current materials used to promote wound healing or for soft tissue reconstruction or augmentation, however, still suffer from shortcomings such as suboptimal volume retention, donor site morbidity, and in some instances, continued poor biocompatibility.