Developing individualised biomaterials for medical treatment

A new Aalto University project is being launched to develop gynaecological prolapse mesh. Approximately 700,000 pelvic floor operations are performed in the western world each year, with about 400,000 of these taking place in Europe. About a fifth of all women undergo prolapses, or gynaecological hernias, at some time in their lives. Patients are usually older women who have had more than once child.  The invention can significantly improve the quality of life and health of the women affected.

In the surgery, a mesh made from polypropylene plastic is used to lift the descending organ back into place. Existing plastic materials cause many types of problems in the body, and many of the products have been taken off the market. Plastic can cause reactions such as inflammation and sexual health problems.

‘There is a similar need for a new mesh in connection with hernia surgery and the treatment of urinary incontinence, and the new invention can also be used for these. We hope to develop the technology further to provide individual customisation in which treatment can be planned for specific patients’, says Jani Kuula, the lead researcher on the project.

In individualised treatment, the condition of the patient's own tissues are taken into consideration and a tailored prolapse mesh can be made.