Biomechanical properties of graft materials employed for pelvic floor reconstructive surgeries.
OBJECTIVE
Numerous biomaterials are currently used to augment pelvic organ prolapse reconstructive surgeries. Understanding the biomechanical properties of the raw and implanted graft materials may lead to improvements in biomaterial design and development. This summary aims to review recent assessments and advances in the understanding of vaginal tissues and synthetic graft materials profiles.


RESULTS
Numerous meshes have been assessed and compared for various biomechanical properties. There is now an emphasis on more relevant mechanical tests rather than only comparing loads at failure. Development of tests at physiological loads is important in achieving relevance of biomechanical data. Comparisons of partly absorbable with nonabsorbable meshes both preimplantation and postimplantation, have shown no difference in biomechanical properties, thus promoting the use of less permanent components in meshes. Potential factors contributing to mesh exposure are presented.


CONCLUSIONS
Biomechanical testing of synthetic graft materials is moving towards achieving data relevant to physiological loads and clinical conditions. Modeling research is required to understand these physiological loads, and create relevant measurements which can then be used when biomechanically assessing both raw and implanted grafts.
Krause
Hannah G
HG
Ramsay Specialist Centre, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Greenslopes, Australia. hannahkrause@hotmail.com
Goh
Judith Tw
JT
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004548:Elasticity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D014783:Viscosity
D001672:Biocompatible Materials