Systems and methods for augmenting tissue volume

Abstract

A method of treating volume deficiency in cosmetic surgery and in urological stress incontinence is based upon the transplantation of one or more biologic collagen based tissues into the subcutaneous, deep dermal, or peri urethral space. In the preferred embodiment, mechanically morsellized dehydrated embryonic bovine matrix tissue is used, which is derived from commercially available sheets of lyophilized fetal bovine collagen. The specific morsellization, cubing and hydration techniques described herein allow the percutaneous insertion of the transplanted collagen tissue through a syringe using a needle. Morsellization and percutaneous injection also decreases the insertion requirements of the material transferred, thus allowing the surgeon to insert more material into the desired space with less morbidity. Once in the body, the collagen matrix acts as a scaffold to allow the ingrowth of host human fibroblasts. One or more therapeutic substances may be added, including growth factors, differentiation factors, hydrogels, polymers, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or immunosuppressive medications. These additional substances may or may not be dehydrated.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.