MECHANICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND DEGRADATION OF BIODEGRADABLE PCL COG THREADS FOR PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE TREATMENT

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a condition that progressively affects women, leading to an increased demand for new treatment techniques. The current standard treatment is surgical correction, often highly invasive with associated risks and a relatively high failure rate. This study proposes an alternative approach using injectable biodegradable cog threads, commonly used in facial lifting. The 360 ∘ 4D barb threads, made of polycaprolactone (PCL), were tested to reinforce vaginal wall defects. Degradation and mechanical properties were evaluated after exposure to phosphate buffer solution (PBS) and potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP) for 90 days and 180 days compared with a control group. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy showed slight to moderate degradation over time in both media. Mechanical tensile tests revealed a reduction in maximum tensile strength by 13% to 19%, especially in PBS. However, cyclic tests indicated that the threads maintained significant mechanical strength, even after 100 load cycles, suggesting their potential for POP correction. The preliminary results from degradation and mechanical tests suggest that biodegradable PCL cog threads could serve as a promising new approach to prolapse correction, warranting further investigation.