Mechanical properties and tissue reinforcement of polypropylene grafts used for pelvic floor repair—an experimental study

Abstract

After graft stabilisation, all samples had similar strength, regardless of the significant differences in the pre-implantation values of graft strength.

Experimental and clinical use of meshes in urogynecology

“…Multifilaments were theoretically supposed to have better elasticity, but the same results are achieved with low weight monofilaments 4,5 . After an initial polypropylene testing, some advances in biocompatibility were to be revealed experimentally on a polypropylene-coated field.…”

“…In analyzing the literature, it is obvious that rats are the most commonly accepted experimental model. Several study groups have set the standard for methods as well as tissue analysis and tensile strength in experimental studies 4,5 . Primary repair of fullthickness abdominal wall defect, with respect to the peritoneum, seems like a logical choice.…”

Surface orientation effects on bending properties of surgical mesh are independent of tensile properties

“…The other main finding of this study is that there is little to no correlation between flexural and tensile properties of surgical mesh (Figure ). The majority of prior mechanical testing of surgical mesh has been focused on either tensile stiffness or loads necessary to result in mesh failure . While important to understanding the overall mechanical behavior, failure‐level forces are likely never experienced in vivo as physiologic levels of stress in the abdominal cavity and pelvic floor are well below the minimum levels necessary to cause mechanical failure of surgical mesh .…”

“…Mesh stiffness values were reported as force divided by deformation (N/mm) . Investigators examining the mechanical properties of surgical meshes have focused primarily on tensile strength and how it relates to mesh characteristics such as filament diameter, density, and knit pattern . This type of testing, however, provides information only on the tensile loads at which the meshes will fail.…”

“…10 Investigators examining the mechanical properties of surgical meshes have focused primarily on tensile strength and how it relates to mesh characteristics such as filament diameter, density, and knit pattern. 8,[11][12][13] This type of testing, however, provides information only on the tensile loads at which the meshes will fail. It does not provide direct information on the bending stiffness or flexural rigidity (flexibility) of these devices.…”