(112f) Failure Analysis of Transvaginal Mesh Products – a Biomaterials Perspective Using Materials Science Fundamentals

Transvaginal mesh products have been used in recent years to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in female patients.   The meshes used as the support structure of the SUI and POP products are typically manufactured using monofilaments of various forms of polypropylene that are woven in a variety of patterns and shapes.  The properties of the polypropylene mesh component of the SUI and POP products along with an overview of prior studies on the effectiveness of this material selection will be discussed.  In particular, the biocompatibility of polypropylene used in these specific applications will be addressed.  Finally, a failure analysis mechanism for the mesh component of the SUI and POP products will be proposed.