New fixing method for open and laparoscopic surgical prosthetic materials tested on animal models

URL LAVORO: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00464-012-2198-3#citeas GRANT_NUMBER: ERDF DI9_20 2011-2013 URL: http://www.regione.abruzzo.it/xEuropa/docs/beneficiariPor/beneficiari23022016.pdf GRANT_NUMBER: C26A10HCNR/2010, Project 349/2012 URL: http://www.uniroma1.it/sites/default/files/PROGETTI_UNIVERSITà_1.pdf

Abstract text Introduction: the abdominal wall defects surgery needs of prosthetic light, resistant, biocompatible and economic materials, to reduce recurrence risks, shorten recovery length and improve the patients postoperative comfort. The Ideal prosthesis would be simply implantable, biocompatible and usable both in open and laparoscopic surgery. The material we tested is also bioadhesive. Methods&Materials: we studied a new material, the Buchypaper of Carbon Nanotubes (BP). About BP we observed that it can be tailored with scissors, it can be sterilized, it is superlight, flexible, bioadhesive and biocompatible. The BP can be linked to any kind of prosthetic material and employed to fix the prosthesis to biological alive tissues. We tested on Sprague Dawley rat model and bench tests on New Zeeland female rabbits. The measurement of the bioadhesivity was realized by peeling test at 90° with INSTRON 4502. Results: we compared BP Fmax=4.1 N versus Parietene Progrip® “self gripping” Fmax=0.01 N. Infinity GORE Fmax=0,3 N, were fixed to the biological support with fibrin glue Tissucol® Baxter. Test show the adhesion strength of new dry BP sample applied on biological support. As peel force is applied we measure the displacement of self-gripping BP from fascia and muscular layer. For the samples of BP tested on the smooth surface (BPs), BP tested on the rough surface. We compared these results with the peeling test of Parietene Progrip® “self gripping”. The bio-adhesiveness of the side coated with polyglactin is very low, showing maximum peel strength of only 0.001 N/mm, 100 times lower than that recorded for BPr sample. Conclusions: the tests showed a significant performance difference among the prosthetic samples. At the light of our experience we think that the BP can replace any kind of suture and biologic glues in the fixing prosthesis materials in the alive tissues, avoiding theoretically but possible infections and chronic pain due to nerve “entrapment”. The BP showed a bioadhesivity 100 times bigger than the best self gripping actually marketed prosthetic material. We believe that the modifiable BP bioadhesivity, if largely employed, can radically change the fixing surgical technique.