Performance of a hydrogel composite pericardial substitute after long-term implant studies.

摘要: A novel composite patch has been tested as a pericardial substitute to reduce adhesion formation after cardiac surgery. The consists of poly 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (pHEMA) hydrogel reinforced with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) mesh. hydrogel-PET patches were implanted in canines for 6, 9, and 12 months. Upon termination, epicardial reaction the implant rated. No adhesions formed between native pericardium or epicardium. thin fibrous layer on epicardium progressively developed where contacted heart. coronary anatomy remained visible. Histologically, response was nature. significant signs cellular inflammation found. gross appearance retrieved nearly identical that preimplant patches. Mechanical tests showed no changes (alpha = 0.05) strength stiffness. Hydrogel water content initially increased during implantation. thickness did not change significantly throughout study. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed unequal layers either side PET mesh cracks surfaces Both SEM light microscopic observation traces calcification 9 month studies.