Influence of the elasticity module of synthetic and natural polymeric tissue substitutes on the mobility of the diaphragm and healing process in a rabbit model.

Mesh implants are frequently used in congenital diaphragmatic hernia. This experimental study aimed to examine the influence of different materials on the diaphragmatic movement over time as well as their mechanical qualities after 4 months. Ultrapro®, Surgisis®, and Proceed® were implanted onto a diaphragmatic defect in growing rabbits. Diaphragmatic mobility was determined at three time points. At 4 months, defect shrinkage and mechanical properties were measured. The break strength decreased for Ultrapro® and Surgisis®, but did not change relevantly for Proceed®. Ultrapro® (32.46 N/cm) and Proceed® (31.75 N/cm) showed a four-fold higher resistance to tearing than Surgisis® (8.31 N/cm). The elasticity of Ultrapro® showed no significant difference compared to Surgisis® (p = 0.75). Proceed®, on the other hand, was more than twice as elastic as Ultrapro® or Surgisis® (p = 0.015). Ultrapro® had a higher spring rate (6.48 N/mm) compared to Surgisis® (3.82 N/mm) or Proceed® (5.23 N/mm). Observing the standardized movement rates of the diaphragm for each mesh group over time the only statistical differences were seen for the Proceed® group. On account of its material qualities Ultrapro® was found to be the most suitable mesh material for demanding locations in our model.