Biomechanical properties of synthetic and biologic graft materials following long-term implantation in the rabbit abdomen and vagina

Lisa M. Pierce, Melissa A. Grunlan, Yaping Hou, Shannon S. Baumann, Thomas J. Kuehl, Tristi W. Muir

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    48 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    Objective: We sought to evaluate the effects of anatomic location and ovariectomy on biomechanical properties of synthetic and biologic graft materials after long-term implantation. Study Design: A total of 35 rabbits underwent ovariectomy or sham laparotomy and were implanted with polypropylene (PP) mesh (n = 17) or cross-linked porcine dermis (PS) (n = 18) in the vagina and abdomen. Grafts were harvested 9 months later and underwent mechanical properties testing. Results: After implantation, PS was similar in strength (P = .52) but was twice as stiff as PP (P = .04) and had a maximal elongation only half that of PP (P < .001). Degradation of PS was associated with decreased ultimate tensile strength (P = .03) and elastic modulus (P = .046). Vaginal PP grafts shrunk more (P < .001) and were less stiff than abdominal PP grafts (P = .049) but were not different in strength (P = .19). Ovariectomy had no effect (P > .05). Conclusion: Cross-linked PS undergoes long-term degradation resulting in compromised biomechanical properties and thus is likely inferior to lightweight PP meshes for pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence procedures.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)549.e1-549.e8
    JournalAmerican journal of obstetrics and gynecology
    Volume200
    Issue number5
    DOIs
    StatePublished - May 2009

    Keywords

    • biologic graft
    • pelvic organ prolapse
    • polypropylene mesh
    • porcine dermis
    • rabbit model
    • synthetic graft

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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