University of Oxford and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust have collaborated together to develop an innovative ‘surgical patch’ that is said to promote rapid re-growth of tendon tissues making shoulder repair operations a much faster process. Made by a new fibre developed by a team of surgeons, engineers and biochemists, the smart-patch will facilitate rapid recovery of damaged tissues ensuring the injury heals more quickly and successfully.
Andy Carr, an Oxford University Hospitals surgeon, prime developer of the patch said the failure rate of surgery was due to the body failing to repair properly after surgery. To improve the outcomes of surgery, the team has designed a material that mimics the normal environment that cells require in order to mount a successful repair. The new patch is created by fusing two material layers together. One layer is a very fine “nanoscale” synthetic mesh that is recognized by cells and which promotes growth of new tissue, and to provide strength to the first layer, a second woven layer of thicker strands was positioned. The patch’s patient trials are expected to begin this year.
