Tissue welding with biodegradable polymer films-demonstration of acute strength reinforcement in vivo.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate, in vivo, acute strength reinforcement benefits of polymer film patches.


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.
Sorg
Brian S
BS
Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA. brian.sorg@duke.edu
Welch
Ashley J
AJ
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000528:radiation effects*; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000528:radiation effects*; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid / Q000528:radiation effects*; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011108:Polymers / Q000528:radiation effects*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012867:Skin / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013718:Tensile Strength / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013997:Time Factors; D014896:Welding
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011108:Polymers; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid