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Biodegradable, thermosensitive implant for approximating cylindrical structures: A preliminary study
Author(s) -
Leung P.C.,
Yew David,
Wu Chi,
Peng ShuTu
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
microsurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.031
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1098-2752
pISSN - 0738-1085
DOI - 10.1002/micr.10098
Subject(s) - medicine , implant , bridging (networking) , biomedical engineering , artery , tube (container) , peripheral , surgery , anatomy , materials science , composite material , computer network , computer science
Abstract A new invention, i.e., a biodegradable, thermosensitive hybrid gel composite in the form of a thin sheet, was used as an implant inside the rat and guinea pig to test its tissue reactions, degradation, and function as a bridging agent. Tissue tractions in subcutaneous tissue, in muscle, around a peripheral nerve, and around an artery were mild. Degradation made rapid progress, starting on the third day and completed in 2–3 weeks. The hybrid gel, when wrapped around the cut ends of a peripheral nerve or an artery, functioned well as a bridging tube. In the case of the cut nerve, regenerating fascicles crept through the tube which protected them from fibrosis. In the case of the cut artery, patency of flow was maintained, and arterial wall healing was complete in 2–3 weeks. The hybrid gel composite contracted at body temperature, thus holding well to body tissues. Its biodegradable and inert nature offers the potential for future use as a tissue wrap and bridging agent. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 23:123–129 2003