gLike
Engineering: Surgical Mesh Design Improvements
This project was an engineering analysis of possible design improvements to surgical meshing used in hernia repair surgeries. The suggested improvement to the design was to increase the size of the gaps between fibers to reduce the strength and stiffness of the mess. Currently, meshes are stiffer because of the ease of implantation by the surgeon, but they are uncomfortable for the patient.
By showing that the mesh analyzed, Prolene, was already far stronger that it needed to be, it was possible to increase to size between fibers to increase the comfort of the patient. Additionally, larger gaps all for more tissue in-growth by the patient, and an overall reduction in material used for the meshing.
