New Mesh Device for Hernia Repair

A new mesh device for hernia repair is made with titanium, which makes it light but strong and totally biocompatible because it is inert and immune to corrosion by all body fluids and tissue. The device, called TiMesh, has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

TiMesh is specifically indicated for laparoscopic and open surgery for the repair of direct or indirect, inguinal, femoral, umbilical, and incisional hernias as well as rectal, vaginal, and apical prolapses, parietal reinforcement of tissues, and abdominal wall repair. Titanium is one of the few materials that naturally match the requirements for implantation in the human body. The TiMesh design combines the benefits of titanium with the comfort and flexibility of polypropylene. The device is resistant to infection and able to be recognized by the body as a solid titanium implant. TiMesh is the product of GP Surgical (Nashville, T, USA).

"Laparoscopic hernia repair offers many advantages to open surgery, such as less discomfort after surgery, possibly decreased risk of infection, and possibly a more rapid return to full activity, depending on the patient,” noted Jonathan Yunis, M.D., a surgeon in Sarasota (FL, USA) who specializes in hernia repair. "TiMesh will allow for more laparoscopic procedures because of its ease of use and cutting-edge titanium technology.”