title: Biodegradable inflatable balloons for tissue separation.
abstract: Confining radiation to a specific region (during radiation therapy) minimizes damage to surrounding tissues. Biodegradable inflatable balloons (bio-balloons) were developed. The device protects the normal tissues by increasing the gap between radiation source and critical structures. The radiation fades away while passing through the inflated balloon preventing the surrounding tissues from harmful radiation. These bio-balloons have also found clinical use to treat massive rotator cuff tear. This review summarizes the chemistry, engineering, and clinical development of these biomedical devices. These balloons are made of biodegradable polymers folded into the edge of a trocar and inserted between the tissues to be separated, and inflated by normal saline in the site of the application. The inserted balloon protects the tissues from radiation or mechanical stress. They remain inflated on site for two months and are finally eliminated within 12 months.
authors: School of Pharmacy, Institute of Drug Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
authors: Arijit
authors: A
authors: Basu
authors: School of Pharmacy, Institute of Drug Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
authors: Moran
authors: M
authors: Haim-Zada
authors: School of Pharmacy, Institute of Drug Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. Electronic address: avid@ekmd.huji.ac.il.
authors: Abraham J
authors: AJ
authors: Domb
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D019245:Compressive Strength; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D008422:Materials Testing; D011108:Polymers; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D020266:Radiotherapy, Conformal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical; D015625:Tissue Expansion Devices
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers
keywords: Bio-balloons; Biodegradable implants; Poly-l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone; Prostate cancer; Radiation therapy; Rotator cuff tears