An experimental study of the use of a carbon fibre patch as a hernia prosthesis material

The historical development of prosthetics in hernia surgery

Since the time of Bassini, surgeons have looked for techniques and applicable prostheses to improve the results of hernia surgery. This article records the historical parade of biomaterials used in this endeavor from the earliest use of sliver wire coils to the current popular prostheses in use today, each prosthesis is reviewed with respect to its introduction, popularization, clinical use, and ultimate failure. Current prosthetic biomaterials are compared in detail. The quest for the ideal material to reinforce or bridge abdominal wall defects is discussed.

The repair of inguinal hernias using carbon fibre patches--a five-year follow-up

One hundred and eight inguinal hernias were treated following a standard surgical technique, using 3-mm thick loosely woven carbon-fibre patches. The average follow-up was five and a half years. There was one recurrence. Otherwise, excellent clinical results without pain were found in all but one patient and only a further three experienced a slight discomfort in the area of the implant, without any restriction on function. The technique is simple and permeation of the carbon-fibre patch by fibrous tissue showed a lasting repair.

Woven carbon-fibre patch versus Dacron mesh in the repair of experimental defects in the lumbar fascia of rabbits

Defects were created in the lumbar fascia of adult New Zealand white rabbits and repaired with either woven carbon-fibre or Dacron mesh. The histological and mechanical properties of the two materials were compared at intervals up to 12 wk post-operatively. Microscopy showed an abundant orderly deposition of collagen highly vascularized with a minimal inflammatory response on the carbon fibre, whereas the Dacron mesh induced the formation of a flimsy collagenous capsule, with a marked inflammatory response. Mechanical testing showed a significant increase in the strength of the carbon-fibre patch after 2 wk (P = .001), the patch becoming much stronger than the Dacron mesh (P = .002) 5 to 12 wk after implantation.

A new synthetic material for the brow suspension procedure

This report describes the use of a new synthetic material, combining polyester with carbon, in nine brow suspension procedures. The mechanical properties of polyester, with the fibrous tissue inducing properties of carbon, combine to produce a scaffolding on which fibrovascular ingrowth is possible. Subsequent fibrosis gives a permanent effect. Early results indicate that the material is tolerated well in the eyelid, but the problem of early slippage remains.