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Ex vivo evaluation of human fetal membrane closure
Peter B Petratos1, Rebecca N Baergen, Clifford B Bleustein
1Center for Pediatric Urology and Laboratory for Minimal Invasive Urologic Surgery, Children's Hospital of New York, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Background And Objective:
This study compares stress and leak point pressure of human fetal membranes following closure with suture, laser welding, or a new tissue sealant, SynthaSeal.
Study Design/Materials And Methods:
Samples of fetal membrane were bisected and repaired with suture, laser welding with albumin solders, or a tissue sealant. Representative tissue samples were assessed by histology. Anastomotic strength was evaluated by tensiometry. Additionally, leak pressure was measured after membrane samples were placed onto an infusion pump/pressure transducer, incised, and repaired as above.
Results:
Membrane stress was strongest (P<0.001) for the tissue sealant group. Sutured samples were stronger than laser-welded samples. Membrane leak pressure was greatest for the tissue sealant group. The suture group demonstrated a higher leak pressure than the laser-welded group.
Conclusions:
Human fetal membranes were not suited for repair with laser welding under the conditions tested. A new tissue sealant, SynthaSeal, may provide a simple, effective method for membrane closure following fetoscopy, amniocentesis, and open fetal surgery.