Neomyogenesis in 3D Dynamic Responsive Prosthesis for Inguinal Hernia Repair

Physiologic Cyclical Load on Inguinal Hernia Scaffold ProFlor Turns Biological Response into Tissue Regeneration

Surgical repair of groin protrusions is one of the most frequently performed procedures. Currently, open or laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernias with flat meshes deployed over the hernial defect is considered the gold standard. However, fixation of the implant, poor quality biologic response to meshes and defective management of the defect represent sources of continuous debates. To overcome these issues, a different treatment concept has recently been proposed. It is based on a 3D scaffold named ProFlor, a flower shaped multilamellar device compressible on all planes. This 3D device is introduced into the hernial opening and, thanks to its inherent centrifugal expansion, permanently obliterates the defect in fixation-free fashion. While being made of the same polypropylene material as conventional hernia implants, the 3D design of ProFlor confers a proprietary dynamic responsivity, which unlike the foreign body reaction of flat/static meshes, promotes a true regenerative response. A long series of scientific evidence confirms that, moving in compliance with the physiologic cyclical load of the groin, ProFlor attracts tissue growth factors inducing the development of newly formed muscular, vascular and nervous structures, thus re-establishing the inguinal barrier formerly wasted by hernia disease. The development up to complete maturation of these highly specialized tissue elements was followed thanks to biopsies excised from ProFlor from the short-term up to years post implantation. Immunohistochemistry made it possible to document the concurrence of specific growth factors in the regenerative phenomena. The results achieved with ProFlor likely demonstrate that modifying the two-dimensional design of hernia meshes into a 3D outline and arranging the device to respond to kinetic stresses turns a conventional regressive foreign body response into advanced probiotic tissue regeneration.

Dynamic Responsive Inguinal Scaffold Activates Myogenic Growth Factors Finalizing the Regeneration of the Herniated Groin

BACKGROUND

Postoperative chronic pain caused by fixation and/or fibrotic incorporation of hernia meshes are the main concerns in inguinal herniorrhaphy. As inguinal hernia is a degenerative disease, logically the treatment should aim at stopping degeneration and activating regeneration. Unfortunately, in conventional prosthetic herniorrhaphy no relationship exists between pathogenesis and treatment. To overcome these incongruences, a 3D dynamic responsive multilamellar scaffold has been developed for fixation-free inguinal hernia repair. Made of polypropylene like conventional flat meshes, the dynamic behavior of the scaffold allows for the regeneration of all typical inguinal components: connective tissue, vessels, nerves, and myocytes. This investigation aims to demonstrate that, moving in tune with the groin, the 3D scaffold attracts myogenic growth factors activating the development of mature myocytes and, thus, re-establishing the herniated inguinal barrier.

METHODS

Biopsy samples excised from the 3D scaffold at different postoperative stages were stained with H&E and Azan-Mallory; immunohistochemistry for NGF and NGFR p75 was performed to verify the degree of involvement of muscular growth factors in the neomyogenesis.

RESULTS

Histological evidence of progressive muscle development and immunohistochemical proof of NFG and NFGRp75 contribution in neomyogenesis within the 3D scaffold was documented and statistically validated.

CONCLUSION

The investigation appears to confirm that a 3D polypropylene scaffold designed to confer dynamic responsivity, unlike the fibrotic scar plate of static meshes, attracts myogenic growth factors turning the biological response into tissue regeneration. Newly developed muscles allow the scaffold to restore the integrity of the inguinal barrier.

Fixation free laparoscopic obliteration of inguinal hernia defects with the 3D dynamic responsive scaffold ProFlor

Laparoscopic TAPP/TEP approaches are well-established options for the cure of inguinal hernias. As in the open approach, mesh fixation and poor-quality biologic response represent controversial questions and are a source of concerns. Furthermore, hernia defect patency represents another problem which seems not well acknowledged among surgeons. These problems are considered the cause of frequent intra and postoperative complications. To overcome these concerns, recently a different concept of cure has emerged. Based on a newly developed dynamic responsive 3D scaffold named ProFlor, a permanent hernia defect obliteration has been finalized. Following its inherent centrifugal expansion due to its dynamic responsivity, this hernia device is positioned fixation free within the defect and induces a probiotic biological response allowing for the re-establishment of the degenerated inguinal barrier. A laparoscopic approach with the 3D scaffold has been tested on 71 patients to demonstrate its effectiveness in reducing intra and postoperative complications. The operated patients presented with bilateral and/or recurrent inguinal hernia. Overall, 122 hernia defects were obliterated with 119 dynamic responsive scaffolds. The procedures were carried out from January 2018 to January 2022 with a defined protocol and detailed procedural steps. The laparoscopic technique with the 3D hernia scaffold allowed for fixation free placement, permanent defect obliteration and dynamically induced regenerative effects. The technique proved effective in reducing intra and postoperative complications. In particular, early postoperative pain and discomfort significantly decreased. No chronic pain and no recurrences were reported during follow up. The results achieved with the described laparoscopic technique seem to embody an innovative concept for inguinal hernia repair. Fixation free, dynamic responsive, permanent defect obliteration, histologically proven regenerative effects are the distinctive features of this 3D scaffold. It seems to embody a more physiological and pathogenetically coherent concept of cure, thus improving treatment results of this widespread disease.

A regenerative 3D scaffold for inguinal hernia repair. MR imaging and histological cross evidence. Qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Inguinal hernia is a degenerative disease occurring in a high motile surround. Stopping degeneration and promoting tissue regeneration should be the treatment goal. Groin hernias are conventionally managed with static flat meshes, mostly fixated to the delicate inguinal environment. Far from a regenerative effect, the biologic response of conventional hernia meshes is characterized by a foreign body reaction leading to a stiff/shrunken scar plate, which is often the source of unpleasant complications. Recently, a newly engineered 3D device for inguinal hernia repair - ProFlor-has been developed to produce a regenerative biological response. Unlike conventional hernia meshes, this regenerative 3D hernia scaffold seems to demonstrate suitable features for a pathogenetical and physiological coherent treatment of the disease. The aim of this manuscript is to cross evidence these features through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histology.

STUDY DESIGN

The biological response of ProFlor at three defined post-implantation stages has been evaluated through MRI signal intensity and compared to neighbouring muscles and fat. As additional proof, histology of tissue specimens excised at the same post-implantation periods from porcine models during an experimental attempt were also evaluated.

RESULTS

MRI of newly ingrown tissue in ProFlor demonstrated similar signal intensity of muscles while fat tissue showed remarkably higher values. These data matched with the histology of ProFlor biopsies excised from pigs.

CONCLUSIONS

The motile compliance to groin movements of ProFlor appears to induce a probiotic biologic response comparable to a regenerative scaffold, allowing to physiologically resolve the degenerative source of inguinal hernia disease.

Inguinal Hernia: Defect Obliteration with the 3D Dynamic Regenerative Scaffold Proflor™

Prosthetic inguinal hernia repair presents significant challenges. Some of these, such as mesh fixation and quality of the biologic response, are still debated among surgeons. For example, there is no strong consensus regarding a specific condition that characterizes the surgical procedure during herniorrhaphy. This issue concerns management of the hernia defect, which in conventional hernia repair with flat meshes remains patent. However, a critical analysis of typical postoperative complications after inguinal hernia repair reveals that some of these adverse events are related to patency of the hernial opening. Postoperative discomfort, pain with specific movements and even hernia recurrence can be caused by incomplete or defective management of the hernia defect. For this reason, a deeper understanding of this topic would be useful for improving postoperative outcomes. A recently updated concept for inguinal hernia repair takes this technical aspect into consideration. It is based on the use of a newly developed 3D scaffold-ProFlor™ (Insightra Medical, Inc., Clarksville, TN, USA)-that is intended to be deployed into the defect. This novel hernia repair device has interesting and original features, such as dynamic responsivity in compliance with inguinal movement, fixation-free mode and regenerative behavior that counteracts the degenerative effects of the disease. Another additional proprietary feature of this 3D scaffold is the full and permanent obliteration of the defect, which is a crucial aspect to improve outcomes by avoiding the typical adverse effects of this surgical procedure. Obliteration of the hernia defect with the 3D dynamic regenerative scaffold ProFlor™ appears to be superior to coverage by means of static (passive) flat meshes/plugs used in conventional hernia repair. This report highlights the principles of this procedural approach.

Enhanced angiogenesis in the 3D dynamic responsive implant for inguinal hernia repair ProFlor

Biologic response to hernia prostheses represents a continuous source of debate. Conventional hernia meshes, in their typical static, passive configuration have been used for decades to reinforce the herniated abdominal wall. These flat implants, mainly fixated with sutures or tacks, induce poor quality fibrotic ingrowth that shrinks the mesh. In groin hernia repair, flat meshes are applied in the delicate inguinal surrounding where uncontrolled development of a scar plate can impair movement and may incorporate the sensitive nerves crossing this area. Complications deriving from mesh fixation and nerve entrapment are frequent and unpleasant for patients. To remedy these problems, a multilamellar shaped 3D device with a dynamic responsive behavior has recently been developed to repair inguinal hernia. Its inherent dynamic compliance during inguinal movements has shown to induce enhanced biological response with ingrowth of newly formed connective tissue, muscle fibers, and nerves. The function of these highly specialized tissue structures is supported by the contextual development of newly formed arteries and veins. The scope of the study was to assess quantity and quality of vessels, which had ingrown in the 3D hernia device in the short-term, medium-term, and long-term post-implantation, in biopsy specimens gathered from inguinal hernia patients operated with the 3D device. Starting from an early stage, widespread angiogenesis was evident within the 3D structure. Arteries and veins increased in quantity showing progressive development until full maturation of all specific vascular components throughout the mid-term, to long-term, post-implantation. High quality biologic ingrowth in hernia prosthetics needs an adequate vascular support. The broad network of mature arteries and veins evidenced herewith seems to confirm the enhanced biological features of the dynamic responsive 3D device whose features resemble a regenerative scaffold, an ideal feature for the treatment of the degenerative source of inguinal hernia disease.

First-in-man permanent laparoscopic fixation free obliteration of inguinal hernia defect with the 3D dynamic responsive implant ProFlor-E®. Case report

INTRODUCTION

In the case of inguinal hernia recurrence after primary anterior repair, international guidelines strongly suggest a posterior laparoscopic approach. The 3D dynamic-responsive prosthesis for inguinal hernia repair ProFlor-E® has recently been introduced to the market. The present report describes the results of the first-in-man laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair carried out with ProFlor-E®.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 71-year-old male Caucasian presented with recurrent inguinal hernia after primary anterior repair. A fixation free TAPP procedure with ProFlor-E® was planned. Implant delivery and placement to obliterate the defect was quick and safe. Postoperatively, starting from 2nd postop day, pain was practically absent allowing quick return to normal activities. During follow up, US and MRI scans confirmed the permanence of ProFlor-E® in the hernial gap. During 16-month follow-up no complications were reported.

DISCUSSION

Flat meshes used to reinforce the herniated inguinal area is a well-established concept. Notwithstanding, such static and passive implants leave the defect patent and cause specific complications related to mesh fixation and uncontrolled poor quality fibrotic ingrowth. ProFlor-E® respects the inguinal physiology resolving these issues. Its centrifugal expansion and dynamic responsivity allows for fixation-free defect obliteration, thus avoiding complications, above all tissue tear, bleeding, mesh invagination, discomfort and chronic pain. In accord with the degenerative pathogenesis of hernia disease, by acting as a regenerative scaffold, ProFlor-E® restores the inguinal barrier promoting the regeneration of the typical inguinal components.

CONCLUSION

This initial experience seems to prove that ProFlor-E® can also be used with the laparoscopic approach achieving excellent results.

Artificial Organs 2018: A Year in Review

In this Editor's Review, articles published in 2018 are organized by category and summarized. We provide a brief reflection of the research and progress in artificial organs intended to advance and better human life while providing insight for continued application of these technologies and methods. Artificial Organs continues in the original mission of its founders "to foster communications in the field of artificial organs on an international level." Artificial Organs continues to publish developments and clinical applications of artificial organ technologies in this broad and expanding field of organ Replacement, Recovery, and Regeneration from all over the world. Peer-reviewed special issues this year included contributions from the 13th International Conference on Pediatric Mechanical Circulatory Support Systems and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Perfusion edited by Dr. Akif Undar, and the 25th Congress of the International Society for Mechanical Circulatory Support edited by Dr. Marvin Slepian. Additionally, many editorials highlighted the worldwide survival differences in hemodialysis and perspectives on mechanical circulatory support and stem cell therapies for cardiac support. We take this time also to express our gratitude to our authors for offering their work to this journal. We offer our very special thanks to our reviewers who give so generously of time and expertise to review, critique, and especially provide meaningful suggestions to the author's work whether eventually accepted or rejected. Without these excellent and dedicated reviewers the quality expected from such a journal could not be possible. We also express our special thanks to our Publisher, John Wiley & Sons for their expert attention and support in the production and marketing of Artificial Organs. We look forward to reporting further advances in the coming years.