An experimental research in mice on the "soft tissue reaction to 3 different mesh implants: Titanium silk, Parietene Progrip and Prolene". (December 2018) - Kobazev, Viktor Eduardovich
Abstract: Purpose: To analyze the soft tissue reaction of 'Titanium Silk' mesh implant in comparison with 'Parietene Progrip' and 'Prolene' mesh implants for the reinforcement and augmentation of soft tissues to improve the results of static correction in Facial Paralysis and other defects of Maxillofacial region. Materials and methods: Under standard laboratory conditions, 89 mice were divided into 4 groups: a control group of 5 mice; first group of 28 mice with Titanium mesh implant, second group of 28 mice with semi-resorbable 'Parietene Progrip' implant and third group of 28 mice with 'Prolene' implant. Under inhalational anesthesia with ethyl ether at days 7, 14, 30 and 60, seven mice from each experimental group underwent Gross and histological analysis of the mesh structures for the following characteristics: Macrophage Infiltration, Multinucleated Macrophages, Meshwork around the implant fibers, Connective tissue proliferation, Angiogenesis and Fibroblasts. Results: Histological analysis revealed a significantly less pronounced inflammatory response to Titanium mesh implant resulting in the formation of a more delicate connective tissue network around the mesh elements. Conclusion: The experiment clearly demonstrated the cellular and tissue responses to different implantable mesh materials at various times of its integration. It revealed that the titanium mesh is the most bio-inert alloplastic material suitable for reinforcement of soft tissue augmentation and to prioritize it's use in static correction of facial paralysis and other defects of the maxillofacial region. A postoperative timeframe of 30 days is considered appropriate for the adequate formation of connective tissue around the mesh elements. Graphical abstract: Macrophotographs (x200) 60 thday: On the 60th day of the experiment, 7 mice were executed from each group ( n = 21). Soft tissue edema in the implant area is not seen. In the 1st group, formation of a soft connective tissue capsule loosely adherent to the adjacent connective tissue structures (dermis, superficial fascia) around the implant is seen. The reinforcement of the vascular pattern in the implant zone in the 2nd and 3rd experimental group is preserved. The connective tissue around the implants is well formed. Formation of coarse scar tissue is not noted. The connective tissue "covering" around the implants is strongly adherent to the superficial fascia and skin. The scarring process is more pronounced in the 3rd group. Suppuration was not seen.