Abstract
Objective: Primary concerns about currently available pericardial substitutes include their adhesion and possible epicardial reactions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate host reaction to absorbable pericardial substitutes (gelatin seat and L-lactic acid-E-caprolactone copolymer). Methods: 40 recipient dogs from 8 to 27kg (mean 12kg) were divided into the following four groups: Group A (n=10): control (autologous pericardium), Group B (n=10): gelatin seat, Group C (n=10). L-lactic acid-ε-caprolactone (50/50) copolymer seat, and Group D (n=10): expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) seat. The in implanted membranes were retrieved at 2 weeks (n=1), 4 weeks (n=3), 12 weeks (n=3), and 24 weeks (n=3) after implantation. Rresults: Overall, the expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene patches produced a more notable inflammatory reaction and severe adhesion to the heart and pleura than did the absorbable pericardial substitutes.The absorbable substitutes were absorbed at 4 weeks after implantation, and were replaced with fibrous membrane. Conclusions: Absorbable pericardial substitutes may involve less adhesion and cause less inflammatory reaction than expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene.
