Methods of promoting enhanced healing of tissues after cardiac surgery

Abstract

Resorbable polylactide polymer healing membranes and methods of their applications are disclosed. In a broad embodiment, the invention features methods for inducing proper tissue healing after an open heart surgery. In one embodiment, the methods includes a step of forming a patch with a healing membrane over the open pericardium to induce proper tissue healing and placement in other open heart surgery procedures to facilitate re-entry by the surgeon.

1 . A method for promoting healing of damaged tissue after an open heart surgery, the method comprising:
 providing a substantially planar healing membrane, which is: (a) substantially-smooth on at least one side; (b) substantially uniform in composition; (c) about 10 microns to about 300 microns in thickness; (d) non-porous; (e) constructed from a resorbable polymer base material being a poly-lactide polymer and a copolymer of lactides, the poly-lactide polymer and copolymer of lactides being 70:30 poly (L-lactide-co-D,L-lactide); and (f) adapted to be resorbed into the mammalian body within a period of approximately 18 to 24 months from an initial implantation of the membrane into the mammalian body;   placing the healing membrane adjacent to pericardial tissue of a patient whereby the pericardial tissue surrounding the opening can regenerate along the membrane; and   applying a surgical instrument through the membrane and tissue.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the membrane is about 100 microns. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the membrane is about 200 microns. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the healing membrane is provided in a sterile packaging. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of placing the healing membrane in a patient is effective to attenuate tissue adhesion. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising a step of attaching the healing membrane to the pericardial tissue. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the attaching step comprises heat bonding the membrane to the pericardial tissue. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the healing membrane is precontoured to a heart-shape and the placing comprises placing the healing membrane onto the apex of a heart. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein: the providing comprises providing a healing membrane precontoured into a tube; and the placing comprises placing the healing membrane around the conduit of a left-ventricular assist device (LVAD). 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein: the providing comprises providing a healing membrane precontoured; and the placing comprises placing the healing membrane over a pump of a left-ventricular assist device (LVAD). 
     
     
         11 . A method for promoting healing of damaged tissue after an open heart surgery, the method comprising:
 providing a substantially planar healing membrane, which is: (a) substantially-smooth on at least one side; (b) substantially uniform in composition; (c) about 10 microns to about 300 microns in thickness; (d) non-porous; (e) constructed from a resorbable polymer base material being a poly-lactide polymer and the poly-lactide polymer being poly-L-lactide; and (f) adapted to be resorbed into the mammalian body within a period of approximately 18 to 24 months from an initial implantation of the membrane into the mammalian body;   placing the healing membrane adjacent to pericardial tissue of a patient whereby the pericardial tissue surrounding the opening can regenerate along the membrane; and   applying a surgical instrument through the membrane and tissue.   
     
     
         12 . A method for promoting healing of damaged tissue after an open heart surgery, the method comprising:
 providing a substantially planar healing membrane, which is: (a) substantially-smooth on at least one side; (b) substantially uniform in composition; (c) about 10 microns to about 300 microns in thickness; (d) non-porous; (e) constructed from a resorbable polymer base material selected from the group consisting essentially of (i) a poly-lactide polymer, (ii) a copolymer of lactides, and (iii) a poly-lactide polymer and a copolymer of lactides; and (f) adapted to be resorbed into the mammalian body within a period of approximately 18 to 24 months from an initial implantation of the membrane into the mammalian body;   placing the healing membrane adjacent to pericardial tissue of a patient whereby the pericardial tissue surrounding the opening can regenerate along the membrane, the placing of the healing membrane in a patient being effective to attenuate formation of scar tissue; and   applying a surgical instrument through the membrane and tissue.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the providing comprises providing a membrane comprising angiotensin antagonists. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the placing comprises affixing. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the applying comprises applying sutures or staples. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the thickness of the membrane is about 100 microns. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the thickness of the membrane is about 200 microns. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the healing membrane is provided in a sterile packaging. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the step of placing the healing membrane in a patient is effective to attenuate tissue adhesion. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the attaching step comprises heat bonding the membrane to the pericardial tissue.