Meniscal augmentation device
AssigneeReGen Biologics, Inc.
InventorsShu-Tung Li, Kevin R. Stone
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a meniscal augmentation device of biocompatible and at least partially bioresorbable fibers for implantation into a segmental defect of a meniscus in a subject. Upon implantation, the composite of the device and the meniscus establishes a scaffold adapted for ingrowth of meniscal fibrochondrocytes. The invention further pertains to methods of fabricating and using the device.
Claims26
A meniscal augmentation device for implantation into a segmental defect of a meniscus in a subject, the device comprising a plurality of biocompatible and at least partially bioresorbable fibers, wherein the device has an outer surface contour substantially complementary to the segmental defect of the meniscus, and the fibers are selected from the group consisting of natural polymers, analogs of natural polymers, and mixtures of natural polymers and/or analog polymers,
- wherein the device, when implanted into the segmental defect of the meniscus, establishes a biocompatible and an at least partially bioresorbable scaffold which comprises a dry, porous volume matrix having a pore size ranging from about 50 microns to about 500 microns and is adapted for the ingrowth of meniscal fibrochondrocytes, the scaffold and the ingrown meniscal fibrochondrocytes support natural meniscal load forces, and the in vivo outer surface of the composite of said meniscus and said device is substantially the same as that of a natural meniscus without segmental defects.
A method for regenerating meniscal tissue in vivo, comprising:
- (a) fabricating a meniscal augmentation device for implantation into a segmental defect in a meniscus in a subject,
- the meniscal augmentation device comprising biocompatible and at least partially bioresorbable fibers, wherein the device has an outer surface contour substantially complementary to the segmental defect in the meniscus, and the fibers are selected from the group consisting of natural polymers, analogs of natural polymers, and mixtures of natural polymers,
- wherein the device is implantable into the segmental defect in the meniscus to establish a biocompatible and an at least partially bioresorbable scaffold which comprises a dry, porous volume matrix having a pore size ranging from about 50 microns to about 500 microns and is adapted for the ingrowth of meniscal fibrochondrocytes, and the scaffold and the ingrown meniscal fibrochondrocytes support natural meniscal load forces;
- and
- (b) implanting the device into the segmental defect in the meniscus in the subject whereby the in vivo outer surface of the composite of said device and said meniscus is substantially the same as natural meniscus without a segmental defect.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.