Evaluation of a novel propylene oxide-treated collagen material as a dural substitute

The authors evaluated a new non-cross-linked, propylene oxide-treated, acellular collagen matrix for use as a dural substitute in rabbits. They then compared this material to a commonly used dural substitute as well as to native dura mater used during primary closure.

Forty-six rabbits were randomly assigned to eight groups of five or six rabbits each. These groups differed according to the type of closure material that was used during surgery (native dura, control dural substitute, or experimental dural substitute) and the duration of convalescence. At the end of the experiment, the tightness of the duraplasty was assessed in each live rabbit by continuous infusion of fluid into the cistema magna until leakage was detected. The animals were killed and each specimen was sectioned and studied histologically. The authors found that the experimental dural substitute was safe in animals for this application, that it held sutures well, and that a watertight closure was usually achieved. There were fewer adhesions between the experimental material and neural tissue was less likely to adhere to the cranium than the control graft. Histological examination showed that the experimental material had slightly more spindle cells and vascularity than the control graft.

The experimental graft material has several features that make it an attractive candidate for use as a dural substitute.