Ex vivo evaluation of human fetal membrane closure

✍ Scribed by Peter B. Petratos; Rebecca N. Baergen; Clifford B. Bleustein; Diane Felsen; Dix P. Poppas

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2002
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 321 KB
• Volume: 30
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0196-8092
• DOI: 10.1002/lsm.1140

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Background and Objective

This study compares stress and leak point pressure of human fetal membranes following closure with suture, laser welding, or a new tissue sealant, SynthaSeal^™^

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Samples of fetal membrane were bisected and repaired with suture, laser welding with albumin solders, or a tissue sealant. Representative tissue samples were assessed by histology. Anastomotic strength was evaluated by tensiometry. Additionally, leak pressure was measured after membrane samples were placed onto an infusion pump/pressure transducer, incised, and repaired as above.

Results

Membrane stress was strongest (P < 0.001) for the tissue sealant group. Sutured samples were stronger than laser‐welded samples. Membrane leak pressure was greatest for the tissue sealant group. The suture group demonstrated a higher leak pressure than the laser‐welded group.

Conclusions

Human fetal membranes were not suited for repair with laser welding under the conditions tested. A new tissue sealant, SynthaSeal^™^, may provide a simple, effective method for membrane closure following fetoscopy, amniocentesis, and open fetal surgery. Lasers Surg. Med. 30:48–53, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.