Novel Mesh Reinforces Soft Tissue Where Weakness Exists

An innovative long-term resorbable, synthetic matrix with dual stage mechanics provides a significant new addition to the surgeons' toolbox.

The TIGR Matrix Surgical Mesh is intended for numerous surgical repairs, including inguinal hernias, autologous microvascular abdominal tissue transfers using transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous (TRAM) and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap donor sites, and ventral hernias. The matrix is interwoven from two different resorbable fibers that degrade at different rates following implantation. The first fiber is fast resorbing, comprised of a copolymer of glycolide, lactide, and trimethylene carbonate, which remains strong for 1-2 weeks, and is completely gone in 4 months. The second fiber is slow resorbing, comprised of a copolymer of lactide and trimethylene carbonate, which remains strong for 6-9 months, and is completely gone in 3 years. Both fibers degrade by bulk hydrolysis once implanted.


The knitted matrix is wrought in one dual-fiber pattern that provides an initial high strength and high stability configuration with gradually increasing mechanical compliance over time, as the device loses strength, and is resorbed. The macroporous structure, with a pore size of 1 mm - 1.5 mm at the time of implantation, is designed to permit tissue integration for complete repair. The TIGR Matrix Surgical Mesh is a product of Novus Scientific (Singapore).

"We're pleased to operate on our first patient for this study as we certainly see a trend towards bioabsorbable meshes and a move away from permanent meshes in abdominal wall and hernia repairs. TIGR Matrix potentially gives the body optimal time to grow strong, functional tissue, yet avoids long-term complications associated with permanent meshes. We will be monitoring the patient with great interest during follow up,” said surgeon James J. Chao, MD, a study investigator, and professor of plastic and orthopedic surgery at the University of California in San Diego (UCSD; USA), who recently operated on the first TRAM flap patient using TIGR matrix surgical mesh.

"If this study confirms TIGR Matrix to be significantly better, this will influence our TRAM Flap treatment protocol to use a long-term 100% resorbable mesh rather than a permanent polypropylene mesh in the future. I'm sure surgeons and patients will be delighted to have a 100% synthetic option available that avoids long-term mesh complications,” said associate professor Thiam Chye Lim, principal investigator of the study, and head of the division of plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery at National University Hospital (Singapore).

"TIGR Matrix is designed to be strong when you need it and gone when you don't when delivering the best possible long-term outcome for the patient. It is very satisfying to see the product being adopted so enthusiastically by experts,” added Thomas Engstrom, CEO and President of Novus Scientific.

Related Links:
Novus Scientific
University of California San Diego
National University Hospital