Methods and apparatus for application of micro-mechanical forces to tissues
First Claim
1. A therapeutic device for promoting tissue growth, said device comprising:
- a variable composition matrix for application to the tissue, said matrix having a plurality of pores;
a means for establishing a pressure differential between said matrix and the surrounding environment; and
a means for delivering micro-mechanical forces to the tissue through said matrix.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and devices for transmitting micromechanical forces locally to induce surface convolutions into tissues on the millimeter to micron scale for promoting wound healing are presented. These convolutions induce a moderate stretching of individual cells, stimulating cellular proliferation and elaboration of natural growth factors without increasing the size of the wound. Micromechanical forces can be applied directly to tissue, through biomolecules or the extracellular matrix. This invention can be used with biosensors, biodegradable materials and drug delivery systems. This invention will also be useful in pre-conditioned tissue-engineering constructs in vitro. Application of this invention will shorten healing times for wounds and reduce the need for invasive surgery.
227 Citations
69 Claims
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1. A therapeutic device for promoting tissue growth, said device comprising:
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a variable composition matrix for application to the tissue, said matrix having a plurality of pores;
a means for establishing a pressure differential between said matrix and the surrounding environment; and
a means for delivering micro-mechanical forces to the tissue through said matrix. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31)
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16. A therapeutic device for promoting tissue growth, said device comprising:
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a variable composition matrix for application to the tissue, said matrix having a plurality of pores;
a substantially compliant biodegradable tube wherein said tube is coated with ECM proteins and configured for inflation;
a substantially stiff biodegradable wire, wherein said wire is substantially coiled about said tube; and
a means for inflating said tube so as to exert micro-mechanical forces on the tissue.
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18. A therapeutic device for promoting tissue growth, said device comprising:
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a variable composition matrix for application to the tissue, said matrix having a plurality of pores;
a plurality of magnetic microbeads;
a means for applying a magnetic field to said magnetic microbeads so as to exert micro-mechanical forces on the tissue. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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27. A therapeutic system for treating a wound, said system comprising:
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a biodegradable matrix for direct application of micro-mechanical forces to the wound;
a non-degradable sponge overlying said biodegradable matrix;
an occlusive dressing overlying said sponge and sealing the wound from the surrounding environment; and
a pump means in fluidic communication with the therapeutic system for imposing a pressure gradient upon the wound. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
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37. A therapeutic system for the treatment of wounds in a mammal, said system comprising:
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a biodegradable matrix applied to the wound bed, said matrix having a plurality of pores with a diameter of about 50 μ
m;
a nondegradable sponge applied to said biodegradable matrix;
an occlusive dressing adhesively attached to said nondegradable sponge;
a pump means for establishing a pressure differential between the wound bed and the ambient environment; and
a connective means having first and second ends, said connective means attached at the first end to said pump means and attached at the second end to said occlusive dressing.
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38. A method for promoting tissue growth, said method comprising the steps of:
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a. providing a variable composition matrix being at least partially biodegradable and having a plurality of pores;
b. applying said matrix adjacent to the tissue;
c. establishing a pressure differential between said matrix and the ambient environment; and
d. delivering micro-mechanical forces to the tissue through said variable composition matrix. - View Dependent Claims (39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57)
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58. A method for treating a wound of a mammal, said method comprising the steps of:
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a. applying a biodegradable matrix to the wound, said matrix having a plurality of pores;
b. adhering a non-degradable sponge overlying said biodegradable matrix;
c. positioning an occlusive dressing overlying said sponge and sealing the wound from the surrounding environment; and
d. delivering micro-mechanical forces to the tissue through said matrix. - View Dependent Claims (59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68)
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69. A method for treating a wound of a mammal, said method comprising the steps of:
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a. applying a biodegradable matrix to the wound, said matrix having a plurality of pores with a diameter of about 50 μ
m;
b. adhering a nondegradable sponge to said biodegradable matrix;
C. adhesively attaching an occlusive dressing to said nondegradable sponge; and
d. exerting a pressure differential between said matrix and the surrounding environment for delivery of micro-mechanical forces to the wound.
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Specification