Biomaterials and the evolution of hernia repair II: Composite meshes

Abstract

The term composite is used in a number of different ways in the literature and, depending on the background of the author, the definition is interpreted differently. In its broadest and simplest meaning, it refers to a structure composed of two or more different materials, independent of the manufacturing method. Methods used to combine materials vary from simple techniques such as sutured or glued meshes to more complex processing such as thermopressing and vapor deposition. Central to all these techniques is a desire to obtain favorable properties and minimize negative characteristics of respective components. © 2008 Springer New York.