Anti-adhesion device

Abstract

The construct described herein allows opposing tissues to form adhesions with either side of the construct, as part of the natural healing process. The construct however is multi-layered, wherein the space between the layers provides the protection from unwanted adhesions forming between and bonding separate tissues. In one embodiment, this space between layers of the construct may be developed spontaneously, that is the multiple layers are released by design after a finite time and the opposing tissues are free to move independent of each other, free of adhesions.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for preventing the formation of adhesions following a surgical procedure comprising the step of placing a device between two tissues, said device comprising a plurality of layers, wherein said plurality of layers comprises at least an anterior layer and a posterior layer, said anterior and posterior layers each having an outer and inner surface, each of said anterior and posterior layers having a porosity comprising a plurality of pores, said porosity varying across the thickness of each of said anterior and posterior layers. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said varying porosity comprises a gradient, wherein said gradient comprises greater porosity towards said outer surface and reduced porosity towards said inner surface. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one additive component. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said additive component comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of biologically active agent, carrier material, fibrous material, particulate material, and plasticizer. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said additive component is contained within said plurality of pores. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said additive component comprises a biologically active agent, said biologically active agent being arranged to be delivered by the device through a period of finite duration. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said biologically active agent is released at a controlled rate. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one intervening layer of material located between said layers, said intervening layer being arranged to reduce adhesion or friction between said layers. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising a releasable attachment means, said releasable attachment means being arranged so as to attach said layers together. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said releasable attachment means comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of sutures, staples, clips, magnets, static bonds, physically interlocking components, adhesives, salts, carbohydrates, gelatins, and hydrogels. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein upon implantation, said releasable attachment means releases, whereupon said layers are releasably separated. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said releasable attachment means is resorbable. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said plurality of layers are resorbable. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said releasable attachment means is resorbed faster than said layers. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said layers are attached by said releasable attachment means at one or more points. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said layers are attached along at least one edge. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising a locating means. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising securing means arranged to secure said device to tissue. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said securing means comprises at least one loop arranged on a surface of the device. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said securing means comprises an adhesive applied to said device.