Evaluation of a novel absorbable mesh in a porcine model of abdominal wall repair

Authors

Alexei S. Mlodinow, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill.
Ketan Yerneni, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill.
Michelle E. Hasse, Surgical Innovation Associates, Inc., Chicago, Ill.
Todd Cruikshank, Surgical Innovation Associates, Inc., Chicago, Ill.
Markian J. Kuzycz, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow
Marco F. Ellis, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill.

Recommended Citation

Mlodinow AS, Yerneni K, Hasse ME, Cruikshank T, Kuzycz MJ, Ellis MF. Evaluation of a Novel Absorbable Mesh in a Porcine Model of Abdominal Wall Repair. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2021;9(5):e3529. Published 2021 May 25. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000003529

Affiliations

Aurora Medical Center, Kenosha

Abstract

Bioabsorbable meshes have seen increasing clinical use to reinforce soft tissue, and exist on a spectrum of strength loss versus absorption: several retain their strength for months, but remain in situ for years. Others lose strength fully by 6 weeks. An intermediate profile, with some strength for 3 -4 months, but consistent absorption in less than a year, may be an optimal balance of near-term support and long-term safety. In this large animal study, we evaluate such a mesh (DuraSorb, SIA), assessing its utility in a porcine model of abdominal wall repair.

Methods: Two full-thickness defects were created in the abdominal walls of nine Yucatan swine via midline approach and repaired preperitoneally with either DuraSorb or long-lasting control mesh (TIGR, Novus Scientific). At 30 days, 3 months, and 1 year, the implantations were assessed by clinical pathology, post-necropsy histopathology, and burst strength testing.

Results: No device-associated complications were found in vivo, at necropsy, or histologically. DuraSorb was well-integrated and vascularized by 30 days. DuraSorb demonstrated minimal/mild inflammation and fibroplasia, and lower inflammatory scores when compared with TIGR at all time points (P < 0.05). Burst strength of the repair sites was higher than adjacent abdominal wall at all time points (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: DuraSorb provided durable long-term support, minimal inflammation, and consistent absorption in this porcine model of abdominal wall repair, as compared to a long-term control. Clinical data is needed, but these results suggest that this mesh provides adequate structural support while potentially reducing long-term device reactions.

Document Type

Article

PubMed ID

34881139