After a myocardial infarction (MI), healing and repair of myocardial scarring and the necrotic area causes the ventricular mass and volume to increase, adversely affecting the cardiac function of the heart over time. Current methods to prevent the remodeling can cause unwanted chamber re-dilation and decomposition over the long term and also increase the risk of late infection or calcification, indicating the need for a better solution. While biodegradable patches have been explored for their potential to prevent undesirable remodeling, today’s treatment of complex congenital cardiovascular defects are sub-optimal in large part due to the use of nonviable patch materials. This results in the need for repeated surgical intervention to address right ventricular failure, overgrowth, and calcification after implantation.

Description

A novel elastomeric, biodegradable, polyester urethane urea (PEUU) patch has been developed for cardiovascular applications. This PEUU patch was implanted on the heart in subacute infarction stage two weeks after infarction and compared with a widely used expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) patch implanted into the right ventricular outflow tract in a rat model. The PEUU material showed higher elasticity and strength as well as porous scaffolding, allowing host fibroblast to grow into the scaffold and actively synthesize collagen. This last quality will also allow the patch material to grow in pediatric cases. The PEUU scaffold was almost completely absorbed after 12 weeks of implantation, confirming that this PEUU patch can interrupt the adverse remodeling and improve cardiac function.

Applications

· Post infarct cardiac patch
· Repair of complex congenital heart disease
· Pediatric reconstruction procedure

Advantages

· Can be placed with a minimally invasive procedure
· Good suturability
· Elasticity allows it to grow with a patient if necessary
· Porosity allows host fibroblasts to grow into the scaffold
· Biodegradable

Invention Readiness

Small and large animal model validation

IP Status

https://patents.google.com/patent/US8974542B2; https://patents.google.com/patent/US9968714B2

Biodegradable Polyester Urethane Urea Cardiac Patch