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AlloMax and AlloDerm demonstrated distinct remodeling characteristics in a porcine model of tissue expander breast reconstruction.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to determine mechanical and histological properties of Phasix TM ST Mesh in various defect sizes and characterize the tissue replacing Phasix TM ST Mesh in a porcine model of ventral hernia repair. Methods: Simulated hernia defects were surgically created in the midline of twenty-four (n ¼ 24) Yucatan pigs. Treatment groups included 8 cm defect sutured closed (buttress) and unclosed 4 cm and 8 cm defect groups. Phasix TM ST Mesh (15 cm diameter circle) was implanted laparoscopically and fixated circumferentially with SorbaFix TM Absorbable Fixation System fasteners. The repair sites underwent mechanical, molecular weight, and histological evaluation at 48 and 72 weeks postimplantation. Results: Mechanical testing of Phasix TM ST Mesh-repaired sites revealed similar strengths at both time points for all three repair types, p > 0.05 in all cases (48 weeks: 142.4 ± 6.0 N, 142.3 ± 16.5 N, and 168.8 ± 38.5 N; 72 weeks: 110.0 ± 18.3 N, 138.6 ± 42.2 N, and 160.6 ± 42.0 N for 4 cm defect, 8 cm defect, and 8 cm buttress, respectively. mean ± SEM) No significant differences were observed over time except at 72 weeks postimplantation when the 4 cm defect group exhibited significantly lower strength than the T 0 strength of Phasix TM ST Mesh (204.6 ± 5.0 N, p < 0.05). The molecular weight of Phasix TM ST Mesh decreased over time, regardless of repair type. Histological analysis showed comparable mature collagen/fibrovascular tissue around and within the Phasix TM ST Mesh interstices, including the segment of mesh overlying the defect. Conclusion: Phasix TM ST Mesh-repaired sites exhibited similar mechanical strengths and histological properties across all defect sizes in this porcine model.

Purpose. Operative efficiency improvements for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) have focused on reducing operative time while maintaining overall repair efficacy. Our objective was to evaluate procedure time and positioning accuracy of an inflatable mesh positioning device (Echo PS Positioning System), as compared to a standard transfascial suture technique, using a porcine model of simulated LVHR. Methods. The study population consisted of seventeen general surgeons (n = 17) that performed simulated LVHR on seventeen (n = 17) female Yorkshire pigs using two implantation techniques: (1) Ventralight ST Mesh + Echo PS Positioning System (Echo PS) and (2) Ventralight ST Mesh + transfascial sutures (TSs). Procedure time and mesh centering accuracy overtop of a simulated surgical defect were evaluated. Results. Echo PS demonstrated a 38.9% reduction in the overall procedure time, as compared to TS. During mesh preparation and positioning, Echo PS demonstrated a 60.5% reduction in procedure time (P < 0.0001). Although a trend toward improved centering accuracy was observed for Echo PS (16.2%), this was not significantly different than TS. Conclusions. Echo PS demonstrated a significant reduction in overall simulated LVHR procedure time, particularly during mesh preparation/positioning. These operative time savings may translate into reduced operating room costs and improved surgeon/operating room efficiency.