ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility, local tissue effects and performance of a synthetic long-term resorbable test mesh (TIGR(®) Matrix Surgical Mesh) compared to a non-resorbable polypropylene control mesh following implantation in a sheep model. METHODS: Full-thickness abdominal wall defects were created in 14 sheep and subsequently repaired using test or control meshes. Sacrifices were made at 4, 9, 15, 24 and 36 months and results in terms of macroscopic observations, histology and collagen analysis are described for 4, 9, 15, 24 and 36 months. RESULTS: The overall biocompatibility was good, and equivalent in the test and control meshes while the resorbable mesh was characterized by a collagen deposition more similar to native connective tissue and an increased thickness of the integrating tissue. The control polypropylene mesh provoked a typical chronic inflammation persistent over the 36-month study period. As the resorbable test mesh gradually degraded it was replaced by a newly formed collagen matrix with an increasing ratio of collagen type I/III, indicating a continuous remodeling of the collagen towards a strong connective tissue. After 36 months, the test mesh was fully resorbed and only microscopic implant residues could be found in the tissue. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the concept of a long-term resorbable mesh with time-dependent mechanical characteristics offers new possibilities for soft tissue repair and reinforcement.
Subject(s)
Abdominal Wall , Surgical Mesh , Absorbable Implants , Animals , Equipment Design , Female , Foreign-Body Reaction/pathology , Herniorrhaphy , Polypropylenes , Sheep , Treatment OutcomeSubject(s)
Confidentiality , Patient Advocacy , Privacy , Suicide , Family , Humans , Medical Records , NorwaySubject(s)
AIDS Serodiagnosis , HIV Seropositivity , Informed Consent , Humans , Legislation, MedicalSubject(s)
AIDS Serodiagnosis , Osteoarthritis, Hip/surgery , Referral and Consultation , Humans , Male , Norway , Patient AdvocacyABSTRACT
The G tolerance of pilots flying modern, high-performance fighter aircraft is crucial. Therefore, methods to increase G tolerance are of vital importance. In this study, G tolerance was studied in a human centrifuge using simulated aerial combat maneuvers (ACM)--consisting of 15-s periods of 4.5 and 7 G until exhaustion--before and after 11 weeks of muscle strength training. The ACM-time in 11 fighter pilots was increased after this training by 39%. Gains were observed in knee extensor muscle strength during slow contractions by 17% and in anaerobic power by 14%. Aerobic performance and various muscle histochemical indices, as assessed from muscle biopsy samples obtained from m. vastus lateralis, were unchanged. Neuromuscular adaptation seems to be responsible for the increased muscle strength, as well as for the improved performance of the M-1 straining maneuver. This might explain the enhanced G tolerance.
