Breast tissue engineering
US5716404A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 16, 1994 |
| Grant date | Feb 10, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2430/04
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and compositions are described herein for reconstruction or augmentation of breast tissue. Dissociated cells, preferably muscle cells, are implanted in combination with a suitable biodegradable, polymeric matrix to form new tissue. There are two forms of matrices which can be used: a polymeric hydrogel formed of a material such as alginate having cells suspended therein, and a fibrous matrix having an interstitial spacing between about 100 and 300 microns. Preferred polymeric materials are those degrading over about one to two months, such as polylactic acid-glycolic acid copolymers. The matrices can be seeded prior to implantation or implanted, allowed to vascularize, then seeded with cells. In a preferred embodiment, the cell-matrix structures are implanted in combination with tissue expander devices. As cell-matrix is implanted, or cells proliferate and form new tissue, the expander size is decreased, until it can be removed and the desired reconstruction or augmentation is obtained. The preferred cell types are muscle cells, although other types of mesenchymal cells, fibroblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes can be used. Cells obtained from tissue such as the labia can …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.