title: Sealing Effect of Cross-Linked Gelatin Glue in the Rat Lung Air Leak Model.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Air leak is a common problem in pulmonary surgical procedures. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of gelatin glue (cross-linked with glutaraldehyde) in a rat model of lung air leak.
  
  
  METHODS
  A model of pulmonary fistula was created in the rat lung with the use of a needle. The fistula was then sealed with either gelatin glue (group A), fibrin glue (group B), or fibrin glue with a polyglycolic acid sheet (group C). The seal breaking pressures were measured for each group, and the results were compared. To assess the biocompatibility of the gelatin glue, a model of lung damage was created with incision, and the gelatin glue was applied to seal the wound. Histologic analysis was then performed on the lung tissue.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The seal breaking pressure in group A (47.88 ± 6.69 mm Hg) was significantly higher than that in group B (24.67 ± 3.24 mm Hg, p = 0.0302) or group C (28.67 ± 3.55 mm Hg, p = 0.0406). Histologically, the gelatin glue adhered firmly to the lung surface, and only localized tissue inflammation was observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The sealing effect of gelatin glue was superior to that of fibrin glue, with or without a polyglycolic acid sheet. In addition, the gelatin glue only caused mild inflammation of the lung and was absorbed without any adverse foreign body response. These findings suggest that gelatin glue may be a therapeutically effective biomaterial for sealing lung wounds and restoring respiratory function.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan. Electronic address: kawai30@hotmail.co.jp.
authors.forename: Norikazu
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kawai
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Engineering, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan; Queensland Eye Institute, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Shuko
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Suzuki
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan.
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Naito
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nara Prefecture General Medical Center, Nara, Japan.
authors.forename: Keiji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kushibe
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan.
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tojo
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Engineering, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan; Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
authors.forename: Yoshito
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ikada
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan.
authors.forename: Shigeki
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Taniguchi
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects; D057868:Anastomotic Leak / Q000628:therapy*; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D005780:Gelatin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008168:Lung / Q000601:surgery*; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D005780:Gelatin