MODIFICATION OF TISSUE

Full Description

Using this technique, the modification of tissue can be used to alter the mechanical structure of tissues including soft tissues like skin, cartilage, tendon, ligament, cornea, muscle and others.

University of California researchers have developed a technology that can alter the mechanical structure of living tissues. This technology creates changes in tissue using a unique means to control the delivery of energy and create specific user-defined reactions in localized or diffuse regions in the tissue. The technology allows separation of anodic and cathodic redox chemistry reactions to distinct sites that may be adjacent to one another or separated spatially.

This technology allows for the minimization of specific reactions and optimize the resultant shape and mechanical properties of the tissue without much (if any) tissue damage.

Suggested uses

The invention will be used to develop a clinically useful system to alter the mechanical structure of tissue. It relies upon the fundamental principles to alter the complex chemical milieu in living tissue to achieve structural changes and macromolecular alterations in the tissue matrix. Using this technology, tissue can be stretched, bent, curved, strengthened or weakened. Direct applications include, but are not limited to: Field of Ophthalmology: vision correction, Surgery: Alteration of cartilage to change facial structure and other medical applications such as lengthening and tightening of tendons and ligaments.

Patent Status