An even more carefree life for people with implants
One in ten people in the Western world is expected to receive at least one implantable medical device in their lifetime. Post-operative complications of implants caused by foreign body reactions can be life threatening and place an immense economic burden on society and the healthcare system.
During their time at Wyss Zurich, the HYLORMOPH team addressed this critical need by creating a unique surgical membrane that optimizes the interface between implants and human tissue. The membranes, with finely controlled surface features, are manufactured from hydrogel films of biosynthetic cellulose produced by non-pathogenic bacteria. Animal studies demonstrated a significant reduction in fibrotic tissue around implants one year after surgery compared to the standard of care. The team aims is to bring its biosynthetic cellulose membranes to patients receiving cardiac rhythm management devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators, to prevent the root cause of post-operative complications.
