Closure of oroantral communications using biodegradable polyurethane foam: a long term study in rabbits.
An oroantral communication (OAC) is an open connection between the oral cavity and maxillary sinus. Closure of OACs is commonly performed with a surgical procedure using a mucoperiosteal flap. An alternative technique using synthetic biodegradable polyurethane (PU) foam for closure of OACs is presented. This PU foam is composed of hard urethane segments, and soft segments made of D/L lactide (50/50), epsilon-caprolactone, and 5% polyethyleneglycol (PEG). To evaluate the use of PU foam for this application, OACs were created in the edentulous part of the maxilla in 21 rabbits, after which PU foams were fitted in the defects. Results showed complete healing of the oral mucosa after 4-10 weeks, healing of the antral mucosal lining after 6 months and complete bony regeneration after 1 year. No reopening of the defects occurred and no maxillary sinusitis was observed. Degradation of the PU foam had not yet reached completion 1 year after implantation. In conclusion, PU foam with 5% PEG provides adequate closure of an OAC in the rabbit model to support healing of the oral and maxillary sinus mucosa. Longer time intervals are needed to assess the complete degradation of the PU foam.
Visscher
Susan H
SH
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
van Minnen
Baucke
B
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
van Leeuwen
M Barbara M
MBM
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Section Biocompatibility and Biomaterials University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
van Kooten
Theo G
TG
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Section Biocompatibility and Biomaterials University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Bos
Rudolf R M
RRM
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000818:Animals; D001846:Bone Development / Q000502:physiology; D008437:Maxilla / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008443:Maxillary Sinus / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000166:cytology; D009055:Mouth / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000166:cytology; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000166:cytology; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000737:chemistry*; D011817:Rabbits; D012038:Regeneration
D011140:Polyurethanes; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols