The Technology
Pancreatic surgery and specifically partial pancreaticoduodenectomy for malignant indication are generally accompanied by high complication and mortality rates. The poor results seen following the Whipple operation are mainly due to leakage from the pancreatoenteric anastomosis. Surgical sealants play a crucial role in closing wounds, preventing leakage of gas and liquids, and ultimately in promoting healing. Although several formulations have been developed, tissue sealants are still limited by several shortcomings concerning their chemical structure and production process. Several studies have reported that fibrin sealant, although considered as the gold standard, does not seem clinically justify, for example, in case of colonic, pancreatic and esophageal anastomotic leakages. In addition, they carry the risk of disease transmission and are very expensive and complex to prepare. Cyanoacrylate glues are considered very strong and chemically stable, but toxic, induce significant inflammatory respond, and lack elasticity, and so their use is limited to external surfaces such as the skin and surface of the eye. Cross-linked hydrogels, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), require multi-step preparations and have been associated with tissue injuries due to excessive swelling (over 500%). These limitations of available sealants force surgeons to choose between extremes of adhesion strength, satisfactory degradation profile, and biocompatibility. The innovation is a new class of sealants with excellent mechanical properties and resistance to body fluids, without compromising biocompatibility. The bio-adhesive consists of two complementary neat pre-polymers and fibers that cross-link while mixing during administration.
Advantages
- Rapid and strong adhesion without compromising safety and bio-compatibility.
Applications
- Surgical sealants
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