12 Month TRAM Data Collated Using TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh in a Randomized Controlled Study Presented at MAPACS 2012.

Singapore / Novus Scientific, manufacturer of TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh, the world’s first long-term resorbable (100% absorbable) synthetic mesh, proudly announces the presentation of 12 month TRAM flap data gathered by the Division of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at NUH Singapore.

The pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap is a workhorse of autologous breast reconstruction. The main drawback most surgeons have with this option is in the donor site morbidity. Very often, the rectus sheath cannot be closed primarily and the defect has to be bridged using a mesh. Even if the rectus sheath can be apposed, the patient is at risk of having an abdominal hernia from weakness of the abdominal wall. The ideal situation, elaborates Dr Ong; would be to use a non-permanent on-lay graft over the primary repair to strengthen the sheath repair. The graft would give additional strength until fibrosis has set in to provide the additional strength to the repair, and then the mesh would resorb, to minimize the problems associated with the use of a permanent mesh.

”We assessed the early results with the use of a synthetic resorbable mesh as an on-lay graft over our rectus sheath repair in patients who had undergone pedicled TRAM flap for breast reconstruction. All patients were randomized into either using this synthetic resorbable mesh (TIGR^® Matrix Surgical Mesh) or a synthetic permanent mesh. Data was collected prospectively, as well as on follow up. Our results showed that there was no significant difference in complication rates between the two groups, up to a follow up of 1 year. There was no difference in patient recovery, hospitalization stay, and pain scores. ”, said Dr. Ong Wei Chen, Consultant Plastic Surgeon,  Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery - National University Hospital, Singapore.

”This randomized controlled study has shown not only that TIGR® Matrix may well be a suitable resorbable on-lay mesh for use in repair of the rectus sheath after TRAM flap surgery, but it also supports the belief increasingly articulated by general and plastic surgeons around the world, that the world’s first long-term resorbable synthetic mesh has opened up a new approach to treating a range of defects requiring reinforcement of soft tissue where weakness exists”, said Tac-Whei Ong, VP Global Sales & Marketing, Novus Scientific.

"These results are indeed promising as TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh shows potential as a viable treatment option for surgeons weighing the risks of permanent mesh in certain clinical applications", said A/Professor Lim Thiam Chye, Division Head/Senior Consultant, Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery - National University Hospital, Singapore.

We look forward to sharing the results of the study in a Symposium given by Dr Ong Wei Chen at CHA level 2, The Traders Hotel, Penang Malaysia at 5.15pm on Saturday the 31^st of March. For full information of the event in general, please select the MAPACS event here: http://novusscientific.com/events/

TIGR^® Matrix Surgical Mesh is available for sale in the U.S. and selected countries in Europe and Asia.

Visit our SURGEONS CASES (rest of world) page to see cases relevant to this release:

http://novusscientific.com/tigr-matrix/tigr-matrix-row/surgeons-cases/

Click the following link to see more details about Dr Ong Wei Chen and her lecture: http://novusscientific.com/media/2012/03/MAPACS-wOL.pdf

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