ANISOTROPIC, SELF-INFLATING TISSUE EXPANDER - Isis Project No 1514

Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a novel tissue expander, for use in reconstructive surgery, with the ability to expand in only one direction.

MARKETING OPPORTUNITY

Tissue expanders are essential in providing extra soft tissue for a wide range of reconstructive techniques.  However they have a number of disadvantages.  Inflatable silicone balloons are bulky and unsuitable for small delicate areas.  They must be regularly inflated by means of a filling port, which is both time demanding and painful for the patient and there is a risk that the device may leak.  Self-inflating hydrogel expanders have heralded a significant advance.  However they expand isotropically at an uncontrolled rate and have limited expansion limits.  Therefore their use in specific applications such as cleft palate surgery, syndactyly (fused digit) release and facial reconstruction has been limited.  There is a clinical need for an anisotropic device, offering unidirectional and controlled expansion, especially in confined anatomical locations.

THE OXFORD INVENTION

A novel, anisotropic, self-inflating, hydrogel tissue expander has been developed using characterised compounds that can be machined or shaped appropriately for the desired application.  The device, which can be sterilised, markedly increases the potential indications for which this restorative tool may be employed.  By controlling both the anisotropic processing technique and the device composition, it is possible to accurately tailor the ultimate expansion ratio and the expansion rate within a wide range The device may be further enhanced by the incorporation of drugs, growth factors or radio-opacifiers in order to tailor the device to specific clinical indications.  The technical feasibility and anisotropic efficacy of the device has been determined by means of a preclinical study.

PATENT STATUS                                  

This work is the subject of patent application, and Isis would like to talk to companies interested in developing the commercial opportunity that this represents. Please contact the Isis Project Manager to discuss this further.

Request Further Information: Project Number 1514 - ANISOTROPIC, SELF-INFLATING TISSUE EXPANDER