Long-term evaluation of laser-treated silicone (LTS) membrane as a pericardial substitute: in vivo study.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was prevention of adhesion formation in reoperative cardiac surgery using laser-treated silicone (LTS) membrane as a new pericardial substitute in the sheep model.


METHODS
Thirty ewes (35-45 kg) were used and categorized into two groups including test and control groups. In test group (n = 18), the pericardium was excised, and the LTS membrane was implanted as a pericardial substitute. In the control group (n = 12), the pericardium was excised without LTS membrane implantation. During follow-up ranging from 3 to 28 months, animals were observed for any clinical sign of postoperative problems. Thirty reoperations were performed in both test and control groups to evaluate adhesion formation.


RESULTS
In the control group, dense adhesions were observed, while in the study group adhesion formation was reduced at all sites covered by LTS membrane (p < 0.03), and no infection or other complications were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The LTS membrane is safe and efficacious in the reduction of pericardial adhesion formation and might be used in patients undergoing cardiac surgery who need reoperation.
Amanpour
Saeid
S
Experimental Medicine Laboratory, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
Ahamadi
Hosein
H
Mirzadeh
Hamid
H
Mohagheghi
Mohammad Ali
MA
Rabbani
Shahram
S
D000818:Animals; D001705:Bioprosthesis; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004285:Dogs; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000379:methods*; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D010496:Pericardium; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011817:Rabbits; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012756:Sheep; D012828:Silicones; D013995:Time
D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D012828:Silicones