Composite Hernia Repair Mesh Offers Enhanced Barrier Protection

Parietex Optimized Composite (PCOx) mesh is intended for use in both open and laparoscopic ventral hernia repair procedures. It offers a resorbable collagen barrier on one side to limit visceral attachments, and a three-dimensional (3D) polyester knit structure on the other to promote tissue ingrowth and ease of use. The balance of material properties produces superior cellular proliferation and works with the body's natural systems to provide rapid fibrous ingrowth, minimal shrinkage, and strong tissue integration.

PCOx mesh is three times more resistant than its predecessor, Parietex Composite (PCO) mesh. Additionally, the new, proprietary 3D textile with x-stitch design is stronger and enables better visibility through the mesh. Importantly, PCOx has been shown in animals to promote rapid abdominal wall integration, minimize visceral attachments, and facilitate strong tack fixation. PCOx mesh is a product of Covidien (North Haven, CT, USA); a version of PCOx with preplaced sutures that reduces the time needed for traditional suture placement is approved in Europe.

"I'm tremendously proud of our product team for the ingenuity and innovation they've demonstrated with the development of PCOx," said Michel Therin, vice president of soft tissue repair and biosurgery at Covidien. "It's an impressive accomplishment to improve upon a trusted product like PCO mesh by making it stronger and more resistant while simultaneously preserving the benefits that surgeons expect."

Ventral hernias typically occur in the abdominal wall when the inner lining of the abdominal wall bulges through, or tears weakened abdominal wall muscles--often from previous surgery, and forms a balloon-like sac. This can allow a loop of intestines or other abdominal contents to push into the sac, potentially leading to serious problems that might require emergency surgery. Ventral hernias can also occur in the belly button (umbilicus) or any other area of the weakened abdominal wall.

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