Comparison of pre- And post-implantation mechanical behavior of composite hernia meshes

Abstract

Implantation of synthetic meshes provokes complications which require long-lasting follow- -up. The mesh materials exposed to physiological conditions demonstrate differences in failure load, stiffness and extension. Mechanical alterations of explants made of polyester were investigated using a uni-axial tensile test and a relaxation test. The tensile strength of the explanted meshes changed in the transversal direction. The elastic modulus in the same direction increased two times. A magnified mesh image displayed mesh alteration. The relaxation tests revealed that the initial stress decreases after implantation while the reduction of stress increases in the interval 50%-96.6%.