EFFECTIVE POROSITY OF 3D PRINTED SURGICAL MESHES

Abstract Introduction According to previous studies, pore size and geometry are crucial factors assure good clinical results for surgical meshes [refs]. Although commercial commonly knitted, 3D printing has recently been used provide additional properties them In general, the mechanical of printed worse, but geometrical control is better than in knitted ones. this study, a comparison effective porosity between was performed. Methods Pore were characterized through optical brightfield microscopy (Nikon E100) quantified using ImageJ v.1.53e. Several geometries with polypropylene (Prusa i3 MK3 Smartfil filament) Assumesh (Assut Europe) evaluated. The triangular honeycomb while knitted. Results 32.38, 18.65 17.26% total area commercial, porous, respectively. homogeneous on (2.71±0.07 mm2), smaller (0.088±0.071 mm2) bigger (0.201±0.063 (0.105±0.030 mm2). Conclusions Some imperfections generated during extrusion filaments that contributes non-uniform pores meshes. Hence, post-processing will be recommended take advantage higher precision printing.