Innovative surgical devices for the treatment of abdominal hernias
From Scientific Research to the Operating Room
Each device designed by Prof. Amato is the result of a long journey that begins with basic scientific research, continues with experimental investigations on animal model, and continues with histological and immunohistochemical studies, ultimately leading to clinical application.
From animal experiment to clinical application for the treatment of abdominal hernias
Studies conducted on the physiology and pathogenesis of abdominal hernias, enriched by functional anatomy and histological investigations of the abdominal wall in patients and anatomical specimens, have clarified the degenerative mechanisms that lead to hernia formation.
Scientific publications and theoretical bases of surgical innovation
These findings have been confirmed by a large body of scientific articles published in high-impact international journals, thus creating a solid theoretical foundation for surgical innovation.
From this research emerged a revolutionary concept for the treatment of abdominal hernias, based on the physiological characteristics of the abdominal wall and on the newly uncovered knowledge of the degenerative pathogenesis underlying the disease.
The dynamic regenerative scaffold: a new paradigm in hernia treatment
A crucial aspect concerns the biological response to prosthetic materials, which changes dramatically depending on whether the design of the device respects or disregards the pathogenesis of the disease.
Traditional flat, static, and passive meshes ignore the degenerative mechanisms underlying hernia disease and induce a chronic inflammatory response, characterized by foreign body granuloma and fibrotic scar. Although this type of reaction provides some mechanical reinforcement, it alters tissue physiology, compromises the natural mobility of the abdominal wall, and represents one of the main causes of postoperative pain and recurrence.
The principle of regeneration: how the biological response changes
Conversely, when the same prosthetic material is shaped into a 3D dynamic responsive structure, able to adapt to and interact with the movements of the abdominal wall, the device becomes pathogenetically aligned with hernia disease. In this case, chronic inflammation is replaced by a regenerative process: tissue growth factors promote the development of new muscle fibers, nerve endings, and blood vessels, restoring to the abdominal wall not only structural integrity but also biological functionality.
From theory to practice: experimentation and clinical validation
Once the design had been developed and prototypes created, the next step was animal experimentation on porcine model, which validated the safety and effectiveness of the proposed solutions, paving the way to their clinical use in the operating room.
The philosophy driving these inventions is revolutionary: not merely to “cover” the hernia defect with a prosthesis that disregards pathogenetic mechanisms, but to introduce devices that interact with them, fostering tissue regeneration, restoring the natural dynamics of the abdominal wall, and minimizing the overall impact on the patient’s body.
Surgical devices for the treatment of abdominal hernias
Surgical devices
The first Dynamic Regenerative Scaffold
The dynamic regenerative scaffold ProFlor uses a new concept in inguinal hernia treatment. Thanks to its innovative design, it allows total integration with groin movements. This dynamic compliance fosters the regeneration of all tissue components of the abdominal wall. Its unique centrifugal expansion facilitates its implantation in the hernial defect without the use of fixation points or sutures.
Second generation of dynamic regenerative scaffolds
The Stenting & Shielding (S&S) Hernia System is the natural evolution of ProFlor and represents the second generation of dynamic regenerative scaffolds: a device designed to be implanted in a matter of seconds, without tissue dissection or traumatic manoeuvres, using a minimally invasive and highly safe approach.
The tentacular prosthesis with atraumatic positioning without fixation
The Octomesh prosthesis, designed by Prof. Amato for the repair of ventral and incisional hernias, represents a practical and versatile evolution.
Thanks to its integrated ‘tentacles’, Octomesh anchors itself securely without the need for fixation points, thus reducing post-operative pain and the risk of complications.
FAQ
What are the advantages of regenerative surgery in abdominal hernias?
Regenerative surgery restores the natural functionality and repairs the degenerated structures of the abdominal wall, reducing postoperative pain and the risk of recurrence. The approach is not only mechanical but biological: it stimulates the body to heal through its own natural processes
How is the safety of new surgical devices tested?
Each innovative device undergoes rigorous preclinical testing on animal models, followed by clinical validation in humans.
This process ensures that the devices are safe, effective, and fully compatible with human tissues.
Why can traditional prostheses cause pain and recurrences?
Traditional prostheses, having a flat and static structure, do not respect the physiological movements of the abdominal wall. This leads to chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and tension on the tissues—factors that contribute to persistent pain and hernia recurrence.
What is the future of regenerative surgery?
The future of regenerative surgery is oriented toward increasingly bioactive and personalized devices, capable of interacting with the patient’s biology and promoting natural and long-lasting healing.
This evolution transforms surgery from a merely reparative act into a truly regenerative one.
Biography