Mesofol

The formation of undesirable adhesions after surgical operations has been a largely unsolved problem which may cause conglutination.

Mesofol^® is a transparent, absorbable film that can be inserted between muscles, muscles and tendons or nerves to prevent postoperative adhesion. The basic materials of the medical device, lactide and caprolactone, are biocompatible and are also used for the manufacturing of resorbable suture materials, for example.

Mesofol® can also take over the fascia's sliding function, improving the physiologic free gliding and thus reducing postoperative pain and preventing negative effects due to tissue conglutination.

So far several positive experiences have been made with Mesofol® in the abdominal area during elective procedures. A clinical study for this indication is currently being carried out.

The film with a thickness of 40 µm will be available in different sizes, e.g. 4 x 4 cm as minimum size and 18 x 25 cm as maximum. Depending on the size of the tissues to be separated, the local anatomical conditions and special characteristics of the tissues, the material can also be cut to the respective size needed or several films can be used. At a temperature of 25° the film becomes soft and flexible and can easily be adapted to the tissues which have to be separated. If the anatomical conditions of the wound area are not suited to adequately fix the film, it can also be fixed with degradable suture material, where necessary. The preclinical investigations available report a degradation period of approx. 4 to 6 weeks both in vitro and in vivo.

In in-vitro tests Mesofol® is impermeable to microorganisms and large molecules until the start of degradation, which is later than the period relevant to the pathophysiology of adhesions.

With Mesofol® an encouraging product to prevent postoperative adhesions will be available.

Current papers:

(1) Porté T et al. (2002) Poster and Abstract 5th International Essen Symposium on Biomaterials: Fundamentals and clinical applications
(2) Portè T et al. (2002) Poster and Abstract, 5. Europäischer Unfallkongress Wien
(3) Grimme C et al. (2002) Poster und Abstract, 5. Europäischer Unfallkongress Wien
(4) Kranz HW et al. (2000) Hefte zu Der Unfallchirurg 282: 287-288
(5) Weibel MA et al. (1973) Am J Surg 126: 345
(6) Liakakos T et al. (2001) Dig Surg 18: 260-273
(7) Holmdahl L (1999) Lancet 353: 1456
(8) Vipond MN et al. (1990) Lancet 335: 1120
(9) Holmdahl L et al. (1996) Surgery 119: 701
(10) Swolin K (1966) Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 45: 473

For further information about the products, health care professionals should contact their Biomet Europe representative or local office. Patients with questions about products are advised to contact their local surgeon.