Ex vivo evaluation of human fetal membrane closure.
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.


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.
Petratos
Peter B
PB
Center for Pediatric Urology and Laboratory for Minimal Invasive Urologic Surgery, Children's Hospital of New York, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Baergen
Rebecca N
RN
Bleustein
Clifford B
CB
Felsen
Diane
D
Poppas
Dix P
DP
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005321:Extraembryonic Membranes / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D011247:Pregnancy; D011312:Pressure; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013537:Sutures; D013718:Tensile Strength; D014014:Tissue Adhesives / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014014:Tissue Adhesives