Next-generation hydrogel films as tissue sealants and adhesion barriers.
BACKGROUND
The development of conveniently sprayed, tissue-adherent, inert hydrogel films has made possible the creation of novel products that can serve a dual function, as a surgical sealant to achieve immediate hemostasis, and as a barrier to prevent adhesion formation over time.


METHODS
A sprayable, in situ formed absorbable hydrogel film was evaluated as a tissue sealant in a heparinized canine carotid artery graft model. PTFE grafts with leaking end-to-side anastomoses were treated with the synthetic sealant, and hemostasis was evaluated upon restoration of blood flow. Also, the hydrogel films were evaluated as an adhesion barrier in a rabbit pericardial abrasion model.


RESULTS
The sprayable, in situ forming hydrogel film was shown to immediately seal carotid-PTFE anastomoses in six of six applications. Hydrogel application in a rabbit pericardial abrasion model resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the number and tenacity of adhesions.


CONCLUSIONS
This novel in situ formed sprayable hydrogel film has demonstrated a dual function as an effective tissue sealant and as an adhesion barrier in cardiovascular preclinical models. These next generation synthetic biomaterials are currently undergoing clinical investigations.
Confluent Surgical, Inc., 101 A First Ave, Waltham, MA 02451, USA.
Steven L
SL
Bennett
David A
DA
Melanson
David F
DF
Torchiana
David M
DM
Wiseman
Amarpreet S
AS
Sawhney
D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008756:Methylgalactosides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011817:Rabbits; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000517:prevention & control
D020100:Hydrogels; D008756:Methylgalactosides; C109801:hydrogel film