Tissue welding with biodegradable polymer films–demonstration of acute strength reinforcement in vivo

✍ Scribed by Brian S. Sorg; Ashley J. Welch

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2002
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 83 KB
• Volume: 31
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0196-8092
• DOI: 10.1002/lsm.10123

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Background and Objectives

To demonstrate, in vivo, acute strength reinforcement benefits of polymer film patches.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Full thickness incisions created in a dorsal skin flap of Sprague–Dawley rats were closed by laser‐tissue welding: albumin solder was topically applied to the incision on the dermal surface, and a poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) polymer film placed on the solder as a patch (controls had no film). Breaking strength was tested acutely (15–20 minutes after sacrifice).

Results

The patched incisions were statistically stronger than the controls (ANOVA, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Polymer film patches may be a viable method to increase acute breaking strengths of welds using topically applied solder. Lasers Surg. Med. 31:339–342, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.