Abstract

Development of Bioresorbable Films for Prevention of Retrosternal Adhesions. The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of three kinds of bioresorbable films of polyethylene glycol (EO) and polylactic acid (LA) (EO/LA =1.5, 2.5 & 3.0) in the prevention of adhesion formation between the epicardium and the sternum in a rabbit model. Retrosternal adhesions were generated by sternotomy, pericardiotomy and abrasion of the epicardium.The adhesion barrier film was placed between the epicardium and the sternum and sutured to the edge of the pericardium. Epicardial adhesions were evaluated 14 days later by assessing area of adhesion. In the control rabbits, tenacious adhesions were observed between sternum and epicardium. When a bioresorbable film was placed over the pericardium, adhesion formation of the epicardium could be prevented. At this site, the area of adhesion formation in the treated groups were 0% (EO/LA=1.5), 8.4±2.8% (EO/LA=2.5) and 5.6±4.7% (EO/LA = 3.0), significantly less than that of the control group (area 78.0±5.8%; p<0.01). The film was completely resorbed at the time of necropsy in group EO/LA= 2.5 & 3.0.The small peaces of resorbable film were observed in group EO/LA=1.5, but they would be absorbed within one month.In conclusion, the bioresorbable films was efficacious in the prevention of retrosternal adhesions to the epicardium.