Acceleration of aneurysm healing by hollow fiber enabling the controlled release of basic fibroblast growth factor

The objective of this study was to develop an embolization material of hollow fiber combined with gelatin hydrogel for the controlled release of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). We examined feasibility of the material in embolization healing aneurysm by bFGF-induced tissue organization.

An aneurysm was prepared at the common carotid artery of 60 rabbits by the end-to-side anastomosis of jugular venous pouch. The hollow fibers combined with or without 100 microg free bFGF or gelatin hydrogel incorporating 0, 10, 50, or 100 microg bFGF were applied to the aneurysm. Tissue appearance or histological observation was performed 1, 2, 3, and 6 weeks after application to evaluate the area embolized by fibrous organization in the aneurysm and the neointima formation at the aneurysm orifice.

When applied with the hollow fibers combined with gelatin hydrogel containing 100 microg bFGF, the aneurysm was histologically occupied by fibrous tissue newly formed 3 weeks later, whereas neointima was formed at the aneurysm orifice. The histological area occupied by fibrous tissue was significantly larger than that of hollow fibers combined with 100 microg bFGF. No influence of bFGF dose on the aneurysm healing by the fibers combined with hydrogels incorporating bFGF was observed.

Local, controlled release of bFGF from the hollow fibers combined with gelatin hydrogel incorporating bFGF accelerated the aneurysm healing by tissue organization.