Biomechanical Studies of Novel Hernia Meshes with Enhanced Surface Behaviour

Abstract

Research on hernia implants, especially less-invasive implantation techniques, is an important focus of study around the world. Practitioners require that these elaborate structures, which are primarily designed using textile technology, possess biomimetic behaviour to significantly reduce post-implantation complications. Novel textile hernia implants are designed with surface modifications that prevent prosthesis migration after implantation. The specialised structural design and enhanced prosthesis surface with stitched loops enables increased surface contact with the fascia, which improves the integration of connective tissue with the prosthesis without overgrowth (thick scar formation). The main intra-operative clinical benefit of the novel implant is its potential utility in suture-less techniques. The aim of this study was to compare novel hernia implant designs to clinically proven, commercially available knitted hernia meshes in vitro. TEMA MOTION 3.5 software was used to analyse motion and estimate the tendency of the non-fixed implants to remain in a stable position at the sublay in a simulated hydrodynamic model of the abdominal wall hernia system.The mechanical resistance of the implant against simulated maximal intra-abdominal pressure, the height of the simulated abdominal wall in the reconstruction region and the curvature of the reconstructions were determined and compared with results obtained with commercial hernia meshes of low surface mass that differ in structure, stiffness and thickness.