AU2015205818B2 - Abdominal wall treatment devices - Google Patents

Abstract

Devices and methods for treating or repairing openings in a body wall are provided. The devices and methods can include acellular tissue matrices. The tissue matrices can be positioned within the abdominal opening and can be used to close the opening.

Description

Abdominal Wall Treatment Devices [0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Application Number 61/306,006, which was filed on February 19, 2010.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for treating or repairing openings in body cavities, including abdominal openings.

[0002a] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

[0003] There are various situations in which it may be very difficult or impossible for surgeons to close abdominal incisions. For example, after trauma or with certain diseases, the abdominal viscera may swell, making it very difficult to return the abdominal contents to the abdomen after creating a relatively large incision. In addition, for very large (e.g., obese) patients, or for patients who have lost a portion of their abdominal wall due, for example, to prior surgical resection or trauma, it can be difficult or impossible to close the abdominal wall completely. Flowever, various devices and methods for closing abdominal incisions have had certain disadvantages.

[0004] In addition, for certain surgeries, it may be necessary to access the abdominal cavity multiple times. However, it is generally undesirable to make multiple incisions at the same location while a primary incision is still healing. Further, closing an incision that has been accessed multiple times can lead to increased risk of infection, and often, such incisions are closed by secondary approximation, which can be unpleasant for the patient.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for improved devices for closing abdominal incisions or incisions or defects in fascia.

[0005a] In a first aspect, the invention provides an abdominal or fascia treatment device, comprising: a synthetic polymeric material; and an acellular tissue matrix attached to a peripheral border of the synthetic polymeric material such that the acellular tissue matrix can be secured to tissue surrounding a defect in a wall of a body cavity to close the body cavity without attaching the synthetic polymeric material to tissue; wherein the synthetic polymeric material includes an elongated opening extending across the synthetic polymeric material within the peripheral border of the synthetic polymeric material, the elongated opening configured to provide access to the body cavity in an open configuration and close the body cavity in a closed configuration.

[0005b] In a second aspect, the invention provides an abdominal or fascia treatment device, comprising: a sheet of acellular tissue matrix, wherein the sheet of acellular tissue matrix includes an elongated opening, and on opposite sides of the opening, multiple reinforced holes for receiving sutures; wherein the elongated opening extends across the sheet of acellular tissue matrix within a peripheral border of the sheet of acellular tissue matrix and is configured to provide access to a body cavity in an open configuration and close the body cavity in a closed configuration.

[0005c] In a third aspect, the invention provides use of the device of the invention for closure of an abdominal opening.

[0006] An abdominal or fascia treatment device is provided. The device may comprise a first synthetic polymeric material and an acellular tissue matrix_ attached to a peripheral border of the synthetic polymeric material such that the acellular tissue matrix can he secured to tissues surrounding an opening In a body cavity to close the body cavity without attaching the first synthetic polymeric material to tissue, [0007] A method of treating an abdominal or fascia opening is provided. The method may comprise positioning a synthetic polymeric materia! in the opening, wherein the synthetic polymeric materia! is attached to an acellular tissue matrix along a peripheral border of the synthetic polymeric material. The method further comprises securing the acellular· tissue matrix to tissues surrounding a peripheral border of the abdominal opening to close the opening, [0003] An abdominal or fascia treatment device is provided. The device may comprise a sheet of acellular tissue matrix, wherein the sheet includes an elongated opening, and on opposite sides of the opening, multiple reinforced holes for receiving sutures.

Brief Description of Drawings [0009] Fig, 1 .illustrates a device and method for treating abdominal openings, according to certain embodiments, [0010] Fig. 2 illustrates a device for treating abdominal openings, according to certain embodiments.

[0011] Fig, 3 illustrates a device for treating abdominal openings, according to certain embodiments.

[0012] Fig. 4 illustrates the device of Fig, 3, as it may be used for treating abdominal openings, according to certain embodiments.

[0013] Figs. 5A-5D are cross sectional views of the device of Fig. 2, according to various exemplary embodiments.

[0014] Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the device of Fig. 2, according to certain embodiments.

Description of Exemplary Embodiments [0014a] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

[0015] In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. In this application, the use of “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term “including”, as well as other forms, such as “includes” and “included”, is not limiting.

[0016] The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described. All documents, or portions of documents, cited in this application, including but not limited to patents, patent applications, articles, books, and treatises, are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety for any purpose.

[0017] The term “acellular tissue matrix,” as used herein, refers generally to any tissue matrix that is substantially free of cells and other antigenic material. Skin, parts of skin (e.g., dermis), and other tissues such as blood vessels, heart valves, fascia and nerve connective tissue may be used to create acellular matrices within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] The term “abdominal defect,” as used herein refers generally to a disruption in the abdominal wall. The disruption can include a hole that passes through the entire abdominal wall, such as an incision through the wall, or can include an incision or defect in one or more layers of the abdominal wall, such as the skin and subcutaneous fat [0019] Fig. 1 illustrates a device and method for treating abdominal openings, according to certain embodiments. According to certain embodiments, the device 100 can be used to close an abdominal defect 140, including, for example, an Incision created by surgery. As shown in Fig, 1, the device 100 can assist in closure of a midline incision, or can be used to assist in closure of other Incisions (a.g,, more laterally positioned incisions, transverse incisions, or oblique incisions).

[0020] As described further below, the device 100 can Include one or more sheets of material 110,120 that can be used to connect opposing edges of a wound, surgical incision, or other abdominal defect 140, For example, when the existing fascia or other tissue surrounding the defect 140 is insufficient, for whatever reason, the device 100 can provide additional material to allow tissues (e.g., fascia) surrounding a defect 140 to be connected and to cover the entire defect 140, In certain embodiments, the device 100 can be used to cover the defect 140 temporarily until a final closure is desired or possible. For example, if final closure is not possible due to swelling of abdominal contents, the device 100 can he used to close the abdomen until swelling abates, in addition, the device 100, can provide an access site to allow multiple surgeries.. In addition, the device 100 can be adjusted during two or more surgeries to allow more normal surgical closure, as described further below.

[00211 In certain embodiments, the sheets 110,120 of the device 100 include a biologic material, Including an acellular tissue matrix, such as a dermal acellular tissue matrix. In addition. In certain embodiments, the sheets 110,120 further include a synthetic polymeric material that is attached to the acellular tissue matrix. Various embodiments of the device 100, are described with reference to Figs, 2-50 below (labeled 200, 300), [0022] Fig. 2 illustrates a device 200 for treating abdominal defects, according to certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, the device 200 includes a first synthetic polymeric material 210 and an acellular tissue matrix 220 attached to an entire peripheral'border 230 of the synthetic polymeric material 210. In use, the acellular tissue matrix 220 can be secured to tissues surrounding a defect 140 in a body cavity to close the body cavity (e.g. : the abdomen) without attaching the first synthetic polymeric material to tissue. For example, when an abdominal incision is formed (either midline or at another location), it may be difficult to-close the incision completely. This may be due to swelling of abdominal contents, large patient size, and/or loss of tissue due to prior surgery, trauma or disease. In addition, in some cases, it may he desirable to access the surgical site again, e.g., to perform additional surgeries. The device 200 can assist in closure of an Incision or other defect and can he used to re-access the surgical site and/or to close the defect after problems that prevented normal closure abate (e.g., swelling diminishes or subsequent surgical steps are complete). (0023] As used herein, the term "synthetic polymeric material" includes any polymeric material sheet produced by man, either from a chemical reaction, or by assembling a natural material to produce a sheet. For example, polymers produced by man can include, polyeihyienes or polyamides. Materials produced by assembling a natural material can include, for example, sheets produced from silk, [0024] During initial implantation, the synthetic polymeric material 210 with an acellular tissue matrix 220 attached to its peripheral border 230 to form a joint 235 (see Figs, SA-5D) is positioned in the defect in the abdominal wall. Next, the acellular tissue matrix is attached to tissues surrounding a peripheral border of the abdominal defect to close the defect. Generally, for a midline incision, the acellular tissue matrix 220 will be secured to abdominal-fascia (e>g,, the: rectus sheath), thereby acting as an extension of the rectus sheath, which is normally used to close midline abdominal incisions. The acellular tissue matrix can he attached to the tissues using typical sutures, surgical staples, or clips, or other suitable connecting mechanisms, as are known in the art, in certain embodiments, the acellular tissue matrix 220 can be connected by passing sutures through the acellular tissue matrix 220. In certain embodiments, the sutures can be passed through preformed openings 295, which may be reinforced (or openings 360, as shown in Fig, 3), (0025! Various materials can be used to produce the synthetic polymeric material 210 and acellular tissue matrix 220 (collectively “materials”)·. Generally, both materials should be sterile or asceptic and should possess suitable biomechanical properties to prevent rupture or tearing during use, in addition, in some embodiments, the mechanical properties of the materials are compatible to provide even stress distributions relative to the different materials to prevent failure, as described in more detail below, in addition, the synthetic material should be generally inert or biologically compatible to prevent undue inflammation. Suitable synthetic materials can include, for example, GGRE-TEX# (or other polytetrafluroethylene materials), MARLEX® (high density polyethylene), or prolene, In certain embodiments, the synthetic materials can Include synthetic, resorbable materials over part or all of their dimensions. In addition, the materials may be coated with therapeutic agents, (e,g„ ante adhesive coatings, antimicrobials, etc.). (0026] The acellular tissue matrix can be selected to provide a variety of different biological and mechanical properties. For example, the acellular tissue matrix can be selected to allow tissue ingrowth arid remodeling to allow regeneration of tissue normally found at the site where the matrix is implanted For example, the acellular tissue matrix, when implanted on or into fascia, may be selected to allow regeneration of the fascia without .excessive fibrosis or scar formation. In addition, the acellular tissue matrix should not elicit an excessive inflammatory reaction and should ultimately be remodeled to produce tissue similar to the original host tissue. In certain embodiments, the acellular tissue matrix can include ALLODERM© or SiratticeiM, which are human and porcine acellular dermal matrices respectively, Alternatively, other suitable acellular tissue matrices can he used, as described further below.

[0027] Generally, both the synthetic polymeric material 210 and acellular tissue matrix 220 should possess mechanical properties such that the materials will not fail (l.e., rupture or tear) during use. In addition, the materials should have sufficient flexibility and elasticity to be handled by a surgeon when implanted, to be shaped to allow coverage of underlying structures, and to allow stretching during patient movement to provide even stress distribution to adjacent tissues without tearing. It will be understood that these properties can be varied by altering the general material properties (e,g,s tensile strength and elastic properties), as well as the structural characteristics of the materials (e,g., thickness). In certain embodiments, the materials will have been selected such that the materials can withstand a tensile force of at least 20N without failure. In some embodiments, the materials can withstand a minimum force per unit width, such as at least 20N/cm, at least 24N/em, or higher, depending on the patient, in addition, in certain embodiments, the materials are-selected to allow retention of sutures. In some embodiments, the materials have a suture retention strength of at least 20Ή.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the materials 210, 220 may be selected and sized such that, during use, the stress distribution across the materials remains relatively even. For example, in various embodiments, the synthetic polymeric material 210 and the acellular'tissue· matrix 220 can be selected such that the ultimate tensile strength and/or elastic properties over typical operating ranges are relatively equal, or within a certain range of one another. In addition, the mechanical properties of the joint 235 between the synthetic polymeric material 210 and acellular tissue matrix 220 can be similarly matched with those of the synthetic polymeric material 210 and/or acellular tissue matrix 220. For example, In certain embodiments, the ultimate strength of the synthetic polymeric matenai 2 i 0 differs from the ultimate strength of the acellular tissue matrix 220 by less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10%, less than 5%, or any value between those percentages. In certain embodiments, the elastic modulus of the synthetic polymeric material 210 differs from the elastic modulus of the acellular tissue matrix 220 by less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10%, less than 5%, or any value between those percentages.

[00293 The synthetic polymeric material 210 and acellular tissue matrix 220 can be attached to one another using a number of devices or techniques. For example, the materials 210, 220 may be connected using various sutures, staples, tacks, or adhesives including permanent sutures, such as prolene sutures. - The materials 210, 220 can be connected to one another in a number of configurations. Figs, 5A-5D are cross sectional views of the device of Fig. 2, according to various exemplary embodiments. As illustrated, the materials can be attached at an end-to-end joint 235 (Fig. 5A), by an overlapping joint 235’ (Fog, 5B)> with the synthetic materia! 210forming a bifurcated pocket joint 235,! (Fig, 5C), or with the acellular tissue matrix forming a bifurcated pocket joint 236"’ (Fig, 5D).

[0030] In certain embodiments, the materials can he attached by weaving one or both of the materials to the other. For example, Fig. 8 illustrates an acellular tissue matrix 220 that is attach to a woven synthetic material 211 at a joint 250, in other embodiments, the biologic material 220 can be woven, or both materials 220, 211 are woven to produce a joint 250 with sufficient mechanical properties to prevent failure during use, while allowing relatively even stress distribution, [0031] As described above, the acellular tissue matrix 220 can be secured to tissues surrounding a defect 140 in a body cavity to close the defect without attaching the first synthetic polymeric material to tissue. In this way, the acellular tissue matrix 220, which is selected to allow tissue ingrowth and remodeling, is the only material (other than sutures or other connecting devices) that is connected, attached, and/or anchored to the tissue. Further, after attachment, the fascia or other tissue can begin ingrowth and remodeling, [0032] In addition, as noted above, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to access a surgical site/inclsion multiple times, and/or to ultimately close the incision permanently after completion of subsequent treatments or after changes in a patient's condition (e.g., diminished swelling of abdominal contents). Accordingly, tn some embodiments, the synthetic polymeric material can include an opening 240 or can be cut, without cutting adjacent tissue, to allow repeated access. The opening 240 can then be reseated with sutures 260 or other devices. In some embodiments, part of the synthetic polymeric material (delimited by oval 250) can be removed, and the synthetic polymeric material 210 can be shortened to provide additional tension or? the incision margins or to remove excess or contaminated materials.

[0033J In some cases, it may be desirable to completely remove the synthetic polymeric material 210 while leaving the acellular tissue matrix 220 attached to tissues. For example, the synthetic polymeric material 210 may be removed at a later time, e.g., alter swelling has diminished or subsequent surgeries have been completed, and the acellular tissue matrix 220 can be left attached to the tissues surrounding the peripheral border of the abdominal defect. In addition, the abdominal defect can then be closed after removing the synthetic polymeric material 210 by attaching remaining portions of the acellular tissue matrix 220 to one another using sutures, staples, or other surgical means, In various embodiments, the acellular tissue matrix 220 will bolster the fascia or other tissue around the defect to prevent reopening or dehiscence. In addition, the acellular tissue matrix can provide additional tissue In cases where there is insufficient tissue present for normal fascia closure.

[0034] In some embodiments, as described above, the acellular tissue matrix'220'can include openings 295, and the openings can be used to receive sutures for dosing the abdominal opening. In some embodiments, the openings 295 can be reinforced, as described further below.

[0035] in certain embodiments devices for treating abdominal defects which do not include a synthetic polymeric material in a sheet are provided, as described above. Such devices may Include only an acellular tissue matrix, but may be useful for closing certain incisions in the presence of the above noted challenges' (e.g., swelling,. Insufficient tissue, need to access surgical silos multiple times). Fig, 3 illustrates a device 300 for treating abdominal defects, according to certain embodiments. The device 300 comprises a sheet 310 of acellular tissue matrix, wherein the sheet 310 includes an elongated opening 340, and on opposite sides of the opening 340 multiple holes 380 for receiving sutures, and wherein the multiple holes 360 are reinforced. The device 300 can he secured to wound margins (e,g,s via fascia using sutures), and the reinforced holes 360 can receive sutures that provide tension to the device 300 and wound margins to close the wound or incision, [0038) In some cases, the opening 340 can be reopened, for example, to perform a subsequent operation, clean a wound/abdomsnal site, or for any other purpose, in addition, in some cases, the device 300 can have multiple sets of reinforced holes 360, to allow the device to be sutured with at varying distances, for example, to provide increasing tension to wound margins, or to remove excess material. For example, in some embodiments, the preformed holes 380 include two or more rows 365, 387 of holes positioned on each side of the elongated opening 340, and sutures can be placed through holes at selected distances apart. For example, as shown in Fig, 4, sutures may initially be attached through a first row of holes 365 nearest the opening 340, to close an incision. However, later, as swelling of abdominal viscera decreases, or as tissues stretch, a surgeon may add additional sutures or replace the sutures, passing the sutures through openings 387, In this way, the wound or incision margins can he pulled closer together as the sutures are tightened or shortened. [0037) As shown in Figs, 3 and 4, the device 300 can include a single sheet of material. However, in some embodiments, two or more pieces of acellular tissue matrix 310 may be used. For example, the device of Fig, 3 cars be divided into two pieces along a line extending from line 370 to produce two pieces of material. The two pieces can be implanted on opposite sides of a wound or incision and sutured in place to close the wound or incision, as described above. 10038] The openings 360 (and 296} can he reinforced in a number of ways. In some embodiments, the openings 360 can be reinforced using a biocempatible adhesive placed around the rim or edge of the openings 360. Suitable adhesives include, for example, fibrin glue, cyanoacrylate-based tissue adhesives (e.g., DERMABOND^}, and chitosan tissue adhesives. In some embodiments, the rim or edges of the openings 380 can be crosslinked to increase their strength and prevent tearing (e.g., using chemical or radiation induced cross-linking).

Suitable Acellular Tissue Matrices (0039) As noted above, the term “acellular tissue matrix," as used herein, refers generally to any tissue matrix that is substantially free of cells and other antigenic material. Skin, parts of skin (e.g. , dermis), and other tissues such as blood vessels, heart valves, fascia and nerve connective tissue may be used to create acellular matrices within the scope of the present disclosure. (0040) In general, the steps involved in the production of an acellular tissue matrix include harvesting the tissue from a donor (e,g., a human cadaver or animal source) and cell removal under conditions that preserve biological and structural function. In certain embodiments, the process includes chemical treatment to stabilize the tissue and avoid biochemical and structural degradation together with or before cell removal. In various embodiments, the stabilizing solution arrests and prevents osmotic, hypoxic, auioiytrc, and proteolytic degradation, protects against microbial contamination, and reduces mechanical damage that can occur with tissues that contain, for example, smooth muscle components (e.g., blood vessels). The stabilizing solution may contain an appropriate buffer, one or more antioxidants, one or more oncotic agents, one or more antibiotics, one or more protease inhibitors, and/or one or more smooth muscle relaxants, [0041] The tissue is then placed in a deceliuiarization solution to remove viable cells (e.g., epithelial cells, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts) from the structural matrix without damaging the biological and structural integrity of the collagen matrix. The deceliuiarization solution may contain an appropriate buffer, salt, an antibiotic, one or more detergents (e.g., TRITON X-1G0™, sodium deoxycholate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan mono-oleate), one or more agents to prevent cross-linking, one or more protease inhibitors, and/or one or more enzymes, in some embodiments, the deceliuiarization solution comprises 1% TRITON X-100™ in RPMI media with Gentamicin and 25 mM EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). In some embodiments, the tissue is incubated In the deceliuiarization solution overnight at 37 GC with gentle shaking at 90 rpm. In certain embodiments, additional detergents may be used to remove fat from the tissue sample. For example, in some embodiments, 2% sodium deoxycholate is added to the deceliuiarization solution.

[0042) After the deceliuiarization process, the tissue sample is washed thoroughly with saline. In some exemplary embodiments, e.g., when xenogenic material is used, the decellularized tissue Is then treated overnight at room temperature with a deoxyribonuclease (DNase) solution. In some embodiments, the tissue sample is treated with a DNase solution prepared in DNase buffer (20 nM HEPES (4-{2~hydroxyethyl)~1-piperazineethanesuifonic add), 20 mM CaCl2 and 20 mM MgCi2). Optionally, an antibiotic solution (e.g., Gentamicin) may be added to the DNase solution. Any suitable buffer can be used as long as the buffer provides suitable DNase activity.

[0043] While an acellular tissue matrix may be made from one or more individuals of the same species as the recipient of the acellular tissue matrix graft, this Is not necessarily the case. Thus, for example, an acellular tissue matrix may be made from porcine tissue and implanted in a human patient. Species that can serve as recipients of acellular tissue matrix and donors of tissues or organs for the production of the acellular tissue matrix include, without limitation, mammals, such as humans, nonhuman primates {e.g., monkeys, baboons, or chimpanzees), pigs, cows, horses, goats, sheep, dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, rats, or mice. {0044J Elimination of the α-gal epitopes from the collagen-containing material may diminish the immune response against the collagen-containing material. The α-gal epitope is expressed in non-primate mammals and in New World monkeys (monkeys of South America) as well as on macromoleeules such as proteoglycans of the extracellular components. U. Gailli et aL, J. Biol. Chem. 263: 17755 (1988). This epitope is absent in Old World primates (monkeys of Asia and Africa and apes) and humans, however. Id. Anti-ga! antibodies are produced in humans and primates as a result of an immune response to o-gal epitope carbohydrate structures on gastrointestinal bacteria. U. Gailli et at,

Infect Immusi. 56:1730 (1988): R. M, Hamade'h at at., 3. Clin, invest. 89:1223 (1992) .

[0945] Since non-primate mammals (e.g,, pigs) produce o-gal epitopes, xenotransplantation of collagen-containing material from these mammals Into primates often results in rejection because of primate antl~Gal binding to these epitopes on the collagen-containing material. The binding results in the destruction of the collagen-containing material by complement fixation and by antibody dependent cell cytotoxicity. U. Gal® et alt, immunology Today 14: 480 (1993) ; M, Sandlin et al, Rroe. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90; 11391 (1993); H. Good et a!., Transplant Proo. 24: 559 (1992); B. H. Collins et a!., 3. Immunol. 154: 5500 (1995). Furthermore, xenotransplantation results In major activation of the immune system to produce increased amounts of high affinity anti-gal antibodies. Accordingly, in some embodiments, when animals that produce a-gal epitopes are used as the tissue source, the substantial elimination of a-gal epitopes from cells and from extracellular components of the collagerveontaining material, and the prevention of re-expression of cellular α-ga I epitopes can diminish the immune response against the collagen-containing material associated with anti-gal antibody binding to a-gal epitopes, [0046] To remove a~ga! epitopes, after washing the tissue thoroughly with saline to remove the DNase solution, the tissue sample may be subjected to one or more enzymatic treatments to remove certain immunogenic antigens, if present in the sample. In some embodiments, the tissue sample may be treated with an o-gaiactosidase enzyme to eliminate α-gal epitopes if present in the tissue, in some embodiments, the tissue sample is treated with cegalactosidase at a concentration of 300 U/L prepared in 100 mM phosphate buffer at pH 8.0

In other embodiments, the concentration of d-galactosldase Is Increased to 400 U/L for adequate removal of the o-ga! epitopes from the harvested tissue., Any suitable enzyme concentration and buffer can be used as long as sufficient removal of antigens is achieved, [0047) Alternatively, rather than treating the tissue with enzymes, animals that have been genetically modified to lack one or more antigenic epitopes maybe selected as the tissue source. For example, animals (e.g., pigs) that have been genetically engineered to lack the terminal a-galactose moiety can be selected as the tissue source. For descriptions of appropriate animals see copending U.S, Application Serial No. 10/898,594 and U.S. Patent No, 6,166.288, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In addition, certain exemplary methods of processing tissues to produce acellular matrices with or without reduced amounts of or lacking alpha-1,3-galactose moieties, are described in Xu, Hut et a!., "A Porcine-Derived Acellular Dermal Scaffold that Supports Soft Tissue Regeneration: Removal of Terminal Galaotose-a~(1 ^-Galactose and Retention of Matrix' Structure," Tissue Engineering, Vo!. 15, 1-13 (2003), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, {0048) After the acellular tissue matrix Is formed, histocompatible, viable cells may optionally be seeded in the acellular tissue matrix to produce a graft that may be further remodeled by the host. In some embodiments, histocompatible viable cells may be added to the matrices by standard in vitro cell co-cu!tuhng techniques prior to transplantation, or by in vivo repopulation following transplantation. In vivo repopuiation can be by the recipient's own ceils migrating into the acellular tissue matrix or by infusing or injecting cells obtained from the recipient or hisiocompatihie cells from another donor into the acellular tissue matrix in situ. Various ceil types can he used, including embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells (e,g. mesenchymal stem cells), and/or neuronal cells, In various embodiments, the cells can be directly applied to the inner portion of the acellular tissue matrix just before or after implantation. In certain embodiments, the cells can be placed within the aceiiular tissue matrix to be implanted, and cultured prior to Implantation,

Claims (20)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. An abdominal or fascia treatment device, comprising: a synthetic polymeric material; and an acellular tissue matrix attached to a peripheral border of the synthetic polymeric material such that the acellular tissue matrix can be secured to tissue surrounding a defect in a wall of a body cavity to close the body cavity without attaching the synthetic polymeric material to tissue; wherein the synthetic polymeric material includes an elongated opening extending across the synthetic polymeric material within the peripheral border of the synthetic polymeric material, the elongated opening configured to provide access to the body cavity in an open configuration and close the body cavity in a closed configuration.
2. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein an ultimate strength of the synthetic polymeric material differs from the ultimate strength of the acellular tissue matrix by less than 20%.
3. 3. The device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein an elastic modulus of the synthetic polymeric material differs from an elastic modulus of the acellular tissue matrix by less than 20%.
4. 4. The device of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the acellular tissue matrix is a dermal acellular tissue matrix.
5. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the dermal tissue matrix is a human tissue matrix.
6. 6. The device of claim 4, wherein the dermal tissue matrix is a porcine tissue matrix.
7. 7. The device of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the acellular tissue matrix includes preformed holes.
8. 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the preformed holes are reinforced
9. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the reinforced holes include an adhesive.
10. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the adhesive includes a cyanoacrylate adhesive.
11. 11. The device of claim 9, wherein the adhesive includes fibrin.
12. 12. An abdominal or fascia treatment device, comprising: a sheet of acellular tissue matrix, wherein the sheet of acellular tissue matrix includes an elongated opening, and on opposite sides of the opening, multiple reinforced holes for receiving sutures; wherein the elongated opening extends across the sheet of acellular tissue matrix within a peripheral border of the sheet of acellular tissue matrix and is configured to provide access to a body cavity in an open configuration and close the body cavity in a closed configuration.
13. 13. The device of claim 12, wherein the holes include two or more rows of holes positioned on each side of the elongated opening.
14. 14. The device of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the acellular tissue matrix is a dermal acellular tissue matrix.
15. 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the dermal tissue matrix is a human tissue matrix.
16. 16. The device of claim 14, wherein the dermal tissue matrix is a porcine tissue matrix.
17. 17. The device of any one of claims 13-16, wherein the reinforced holes include an adhesive.
18. 18. The device of claim 17, wherein the adhesive includes a cyanoacrylate adhesive.
19. 19. The device of claim 17, wherein the adhesive includes fibrin.
20. 20. Use of the device of any one of claims 1-19 for closure of an abdominal opening.