title: Heparinized materials for control of the formation of the laminectomy membrane in experimental laminectomies in dogs.
abstract: This study examined the efficacy of heparinized biodegradable materials in the prevention of post-laminectomy scar formation using a canine system. Six-level noncontiguous laminectomies were performed on five adult canines. Exposed dura at each level was covered with the following: (1) nothing (control); (2) fat; (3) fat and autogeneic bone; (4) heparinized Avitene; (5) heparinized Surgicel; or (6) heparinized collagen gel. Canines were killed 16 weeks postoperatively and histologic specimens examined. Fibrous adhesions were abundant at Site 1 (control). Free fat grafts were well preserved and did not permit adhesions at Sites 2 and 3. None of the heparinized materials was as effective as fat in controlling scar formation. Overlying bone at Site 3 did not alter the quality of a free fat graft placed over the dura, a point possibly significant for laminectomies followed by fusion.
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000637:transplantation; D000818:Animals; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D002483:Cellulose, Oxidized / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003094:Collagen / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004285:Dogs; D005782:Gels; D006097:Granulation Tissue; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007796:Laminectomy; D008566:Membranes; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous
chemical_list: D002483:Cellulose, Oxidized; D005782:Gels; C013695:Surgicel; D006493:Heparin; D003094:Collagen