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Rapid and precise delivery of cells in the urethral sphincter complex by a novel needle‐free waterjet technology
Author(s) -
Linzenbold Walter,
Jäger Luise,
Stoll Hartmut,
Abruzzese Tanja,
Harland Niklas,
Bézière Nicolas,
Fech Andreas,
Enderle Markus,
Amend Bastian,
Stenzl Arnulf,
Aicher Wilhelm K.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
bju international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.773
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1464-410X
pISSN - 1464-4096
DOI - 10.1111/bju.15249
Subject(s) - injection site , urethra , biomedical engineering , anatomy , medicine , biology
Objectives To investigate the therapy of stress urinary incontinence in a preclinical setting cells were injected into the urethrae of minipigs; however, cells injected by William’s needle were frequently misplaced or lost; thus, we investigated if needle‐free cell injections using a novel waterjet technology facilitates precise injections in the urethral sphincter complex. Materials and Methods Porcine adipose tissue‐derived stromal cells (pADSCs) were isolated from boars, expanded, labelled, and injected in the sphincter of female pigs by waterjet employing two different protocols. After incubation for 15 min or 3 days, the urethrae of the pigs were examined. Injected cells were visualised by imaging and fluorescence microscopy of tissue sections. DNA of injected male cells was verified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the sex‐determining region (SRY) gene. Cell injections by William’s needle served as controls. Results The new waterjet technology delivered pADSCs faster and with better on‐site precision than the needle injections. Bleeding during or after waterjet injection or other adverse effects, such as swelling or urinary retention, were not observed. Morphologically intact pADSCs were detected in the urethrae of all pigs treated by waterjet. SRY‐PCR of chromosomal DNA and detection of recombinant green fluorescent protein verified the injection of viable cells. In contrast, three of four pigs injected by William’s needle displayed no or misplaced cells. Conclusion Transurethral injection of viable pADSCs by waterjet is a simple, fast, precise, and yet gentle new technology. This is the first proof‐of‐principle concept study providing evidence that a waterjet injects intact cells exactly in the tissue targeted in a preclinical in vivo situation. To further explore the clinical potential of the waterjet technology longer follow‐up, as well as incontinence models have to be studied.