Scaffolds for organ reconstruction and augmentation

Abstract

Biocompatible synthetic or natural scaffolds are provided for the reconstruction, repair, augmentation or replacement of organs or tissue structures in a patient in need of such treatment. The scaffolds are shaped to conform to at least a part of the organ or tissue structure and may be seeded with one or more cell populations. Inserts, receptacles and ports are also provided for the attachment of tubular vessels to the neo-organ scaffolds. The seeded scaffolds are implanted into the patient at the site in need of treatment to form an organized organ or tissue structure. The scaffolds may be used to form organs or tissues, such as bladders, urethras, valves, and blood vessels.

1 - 60 . (canceled) 
     
     
         61 . An implantable construct comprising:
 (a) a biocompatible matrix having a hollow spherical or quasi-spherical shape with a longitudinal opening and a circular opening that is opposite the longitudinal opening;   (b) at least a first cell population deposited on or in a first surface of the matrix to form an implantable construct, wherein said first cell population comprises a muscle cell population.   
     
     
         62 . An implantable construct comprising: (a) a hemispherical or quasi-hemispherical matrix, wherein the matrix conforms to at least a part of a luminal organ; and (b) at least a first cell population deposited on or in a first surface of the matrix to form an implantable construct, wherein said first cell population comprises a muscle cell population. 
     
     
         63 . An implantable construct comprising: (a) a biocompatible crown-shaped matrix, wherein the matrix conforms to at least a part of a luminal organ; and (b) at least a first cell population deposited on or in a first surface of the matrix to form an implantable construct, wherein said first cell population comprises a muscle cell population. 
     
     
         64 . An implantable construct comprising:
 (a) a spherical or quasi-spherical matrix shaped to conform to at least a part of a luminal organ, wherein the matrix comprises an equatorial flanged region;   (b) at least a first cell population deposited on or in a first surface of the matrix to form an implantable construct, wherein said first cell population comprises a muscle cell population.   
     
     
         65 . The construct of  claim 61 , wherein the matrix is shaped to conform to at least a part of a luminal organ. 
     
     
         66 . The construct of  claim 61 , wherein the longitudinal opening comprises a lip. 
     
     
         67 . The construct of  claim 66 , wherein at least one flap is disposed at the lip of the longitudinal opening. 
     
     
         68 . The construct of  claim 61 , further comprising a second population of cells deposited on or in a second surface of the matrix. 
     
     
         69 . The construct of  claim 68 , wherein the second population of cells comprises urothelial cells. 
     
     
         70 . The construct of  claim 61 , wherein the matrix is adapted to receive a native vessel. 
     
     
         71 . The construct of  claim 70 , wherein the matrix further comprises at least one receptacle. 
     
     
         72 . The construct of  claim 71 , wherein the at least one receptacle is adapted to receive a tubular insert. 
     
     
         73 . The construct of  claim 61 , wherein the matrix comprises a biodegradable material. 
     
     
         74 . The construct of  claim 61 , wherein the matrix comprises material selected from the group consisting of polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid and a copolymer of glycolic acid and lactic acid. 
     
     
         75 . The construct of  claim 61 , wherein the matrix comprise polyglycolic acid and a copolymer of glycolic acid and lactic acid. 
     
     
         76 . The construct of  claim 72 , further comprising a tubular insert which is disposed within the at least one receptacle, wherein the tubular insert has an end. 
     
     
         77 . The construct of  claim 76 , the tubular insert having at least one flange located at said end. 
     
     
         78 . The construct of  claim 76 , wherein the tubular insert is adapted to connect to a native vessel. 
     
     
         79 . The construct of  claim 76 , further comprising a surface and a washer disposed around the tubular insert. 
     
     
         80 . The construct of  claim 79 , wherein the washer is adapted to form a watertight seal between the flange and the surface of the construct. 
     
     
         81 . The construct of  claim 79  or  80 , wherein said washer comprises a hydrogel. 
     
     
         82 . The construct of  claim 61 , wherein the luminal organ is a genitourinary organ. 
     
     
         83 . The construct of  claim 82 , wherein the genitourinary organ is selected from the group consisting of bladder, ureters and urethra. 
     
     
         84 . The construct of  claim 82 , wherein the genitourinary organ is a bladder or a bladder segment. 
     
     
         85 . The construct of  claim 84 , wherein the implantable construct is adapted to form a regenerated bladder or bladder segment in vivo that exhibits the compliance of natural bladder tissue. 
     
     
         86 . The construct of  claim 62 , wherein the matrix comprises an apical dome. 
     
     
         87 . The construct of  claim 86 , wherein the matrix further comprises a flanged collar. 
     
     
         88 . The construct of  claim 87 , wherein the collar comprises a tab. 
     
     
         89 . The construct of  claim 63 , wherein the matrix comprises a flap.