https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristiana-giordano/
Ciclo: XXXVIII
Curriculum: Mechanics
Title of the PhD Project: “ISIGLUE - Development of a combined approach of in silico and in vitro simulations for the preclinical evaluation of the use of surgical glue in minimally invasive abdominal surgery”
Supervisor(s): Di Puccio Francesca, Cascone Maria Grazia
In collaboration with GEM srl Viareggio, LU 55049 Italy
Abstract of the PhD project:
The occurrence of abdominal hernias is a medical problem that has been extensively studied by both surgeons and engineers. However, despite these efforts, the question of the main factors influencing the efficiency of defect repair remains unanswered. It is believed that the success of abdominal hernia repair depends primarily on the choice of an appropriate prosthetic implant and fixation system. The classical methods of mesh fixation are based on sutures, tacks and staples and more recently on the use of biological and synthetic adhesives. To date, there is no ideal fixation system. Therefore, it is crucial to study the different types of mesh fixation and understand how they react to the naturally occurring stresses in the abdomen and whether they can ensure the stability of the mesh in the long term. The realization of finite element models that take these aspects into account and, above all, simulates the behaviour of different fixation means, including their combination, and shows their potential, is an important tool to help surgeons. The model should take into account the forces acting in the abdominal cavity to describe what happens under normal conditions. However, it should also simulate scenarios in which the pressure is higher, up to the evaluation of what happens in the worst-case scenario, i.e. when an impulsive load is applied to the system that exerts a significantly higher pressure on the abdominal wall, as is the case for example with jumping or coughing.
The mathematical model must be compared with real data in order to validate and refine it. Therefore, in vitro tests are required to provide useful data on the mechanics of the system. Mechanical characterization tests according to ASTM standards should be performed to evaluate the mechanical behaviour of the adopted prostheses and to obtain a complete characterization of the fixation systems. In order to create an in vitro model, a setup that mimics the simulations of the FEM model must be defined. The data obtained from in vitro models will allow us to compare them with the results of the in-silico model and thus refine, improve, and validate the model.
Publications
Scopus: Scopus Author ID: 58960229700
Orcid ID https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9816-7078
Articles:
Giordano, C., Rosellini, E., Cascone, M.G., Di Puccio, F., 2024. "In vivo comparison of mesh fixation solutions in open and laparoscopic procedures for inguinal hernia repair: A meta-analysis." Heliyon 10, e28711. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28711
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28711
Conferences:
DCP23 – “Dynamics & Complexity” inter-disciplinary workshop (7 – 9 June 2023)