A New Paradigm in Abdominal Hernioplasty: The Stenting & Shielding Hernia System Activates Tissue Growth Factors and Regenerates the Abdominal Muscle Barrier

The current gold standard for abdominal hernia repair involves the use of flat meshes deployed over the hernial defect via open or laparoscopic surgery. However, these conventional methods often lead to complications related to implant fixation, suboptimal biological response, and inadequate defect management. To address these challenges, a novel treatment approach has been developed using the Stenting & Shielding (S&S) Hernia System. This innovative device is laparoscopically introduced into the hernial opening without requiring tissue dissection, and it expands to permanently obliterate the defect without the need for fixation. Unlike the foreign body reaction typically observed with flat meshes, the 3D design of the S&S device exhibits dynamic responsiveness, promoting true tissue regeneration. By moving in harmony with the abdominal wall, the S&S device attracts growth factors that induce the formation and maturation of new muscular, vascular, and nervous structures, effectively restoring the integrity of the abdominal wall compromised by hernia disease. This regenerative capability was demonstrated in an experimental porcine model, where the S&S device was implanted and biopsies were taken at defined postoperative intervals ranging from 4 weeks to 8 months. Immunohistochemical analysis of these biopsies revealed the presence of specific tissue growth factors driving the regenerative processes. The results suggest that the three-dimensional design of the S&S Hernia System enables the device to respond to dynamic mechanical strains, thereby fostering progressive tissue regeneration.