Porous acellular porcine dermal collagen implants to repair fascial defects in a rat model: biomechanical evaluation up to 180 days.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the biomechanical properties of porous collagen matrices in a rat abdominal wall defect model.


METHODS
112 rats were implanted with non-cross-linked InteXèn LP, cross-linked Pelvicol, and two investigational acellular collagen matrices (ACMs) sterilized either with ethylene oxide (ACM ETO) or gamma-irradiation (ACM GI). After 14, 30, 90 and 180 days, 7 animals per group were sacrificed to document adhesions, herniation, infection, stress resistance and histology.


RESULTS
The 2 sterilization methods did not cause measurable differences between ACMs. Pelvicol was more resistant than ACMs but showed degradation at 90 days without loss of strength. InteXèn LP became remodeled as a thin fibrous scar and was more resistant at all time points; however, some animals developed bulging.


CONCLUSIONS
Non-cross-linked InteXèn LP became remodeled by 180 days with remarkable stress resistance. Despite cross-linking Pelvicol showed degradation. Comparable but investigational ACM explants were less resistant without morphologic differences to explain this.
Ozog
Yves
Y
Center for Surgical Technologies, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Gasthuisberg Leuven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Konstantinovic
Maja
M
Zheng
Fang
F
Spelzini
Federico
F
Verbist
Godelieve
G
Luyten
Catherina
C
De Ridder
Dirk
D
Deprest
Jan
J
D034861:Abdominal Wall / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D000818:Animals; D003094:Collagen; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005205:Fascia / Q000473:pathology; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D020007:Implants, Experimental; D008297:Male; D016062:Porosity; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013718:Tensile Strength; D014945:Wound Healing
D003094:Collagen