Vaginal Host Response to Polycarbonate Urethane, an Alternative Material for the Repair of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Published in Acta Biomaterialia by UPMC Magee-Womens' physicians and researchers, this study compares a new 3D-printed elastomeric membrane (EM) made from polycarbonate urethane (PCU) with traditional polypropylene mesh (PPM) in pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair. In a rabbit model, EMs showed a better host response, including improved vaginal smooth muscle preservation, reduced cellular and macrophage responses, and less negative impact on glycosaminoglycan content. Both materials reduced vaginal contractility, but EMs caused less damage. These results suggest that softer PCU EMs are better tolerated and could offer a promising alternative for POP repair devices.

View the full study here.