Bladder reconstruction

Abstract

The invention is directed to methods and devices for the reconstruction, repair, augmentation or replacement of laminarily organized luminal organs or tissue structures in a patient in need of such treatment. The device comprises a biocompatible synthetic or natural polymeric matrix shaped to conform to at least a part of the luminal organ or tissue structure with a first cell population on or in a first area and a second cell population such as a smooth muscle cell population in a second area of the polymeric matrix. The method involves grafting the device to an area in a patient in need of treatment. The polymeric matrix comprises a biocompatible and biodegradable material.

1 . A method for treating cancer of a laminarly organized luminal organ or tissue structure in a patient in need thereof, the method comprising: implanting at the site of treatment a biocompatible polymeric matrix structure shaped to conform to at least a part of the luminal organ or tissue structure, wherein the matrix structure is (i) coated with a biodegradeable material comprising a liquefied copolymer, and (ii) seeded with a cell population.