Patent ID: 6042610
Filing Date: 2000-03-28
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61L,A61P,Y10S

Abstract:
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 segmental defect of the meniscus is a tear and the device is formed as a sheet sized to be inserted within the segmental defect of the meniscus, and the fibers are selected from the group consisting of a natural polymer, an analog of a natural polymer, a mixture of natural polymers, a mixture of analog polymers, and a mixture of a natural polymer and an analog polymer,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.