title: Repair of fascial defects in dogs using carbon fibers.
abstract: Hernia repair may involve the use of an implant to augment or replace autologous tissue, but the best material for use in this application has not been established. We developed a dog model to evaluate the mechanical strength of fascial defects repaired using carbon fibers, compared with the strength of similar defects repaired using polypropylene mesh (Marlex). Unrepaired defects were included as an additional control. Bilateral defects (1 cm square) were made in the fascia of the back, and the ultimate mechanical strength and stiffness at the repair sites were measured 3-12 months after operation. Defects repaired with carbon fibers were significantly stronger 12 months after operation compared with defects repaired with polypropylene mesh and compared with unrepaired defects. It is concluded that carbon fibers are biocompatible and significantly increase mechanical strength at the repair site. A randomized clinical trial involving patients undergoing hernia repair seems justified to determine whether carbon fibers are superior to standard therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico, ACC 2nd Floor, 2211 Lomas Boulevard NE, 900 Camino de Salud NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131, USA.
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hindman
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Marino
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002244:Carbon; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004285:Dogs; D005205:Fascia / Q000293:injuries / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D006547:Hernia / Q000503:physiopathology; D059685:Herniorrhaphy; D008422:Materials Testing; D011095:Polyethylenes; D011126:Polypropylenes; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013718:Tensile Strength; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; C016674:Plastipore; D011095:Polyethylenes; D011126:Polypropylenes; D002244:Carbon