Development of new biodegradable hydrogel glue for preventing alveolar air leakage

Air leakage is a frequent complication during lung surgery. A new hydrogel glue was created by mixing aldehyded dextran and epsilon-poly(l-lysine), and its feasibility as a surgical sealant was evaluated in comparison with that of conventional fibrin glue.

Bursting pressure after application of each glue to 30 x 30-mm pleuroparenchymal defects was evaluated in two groups of 14 beagle dogs. Biodegradability and histotoxicity of the glues were evaluated in another 6 dogs with 15-mm circular pleuroparenchymal defects. Adhesions, infections, and histologic changes were observed on scheduled days for 6 months.

The mean bursting pressure after application was 38.4 +/- 4.6 cm H2O for the new glue and 32.1 +/- 4.5 cm H2O for fibrin glue (P = .02), the former providing more effective sealing of pulmonary air leakage than the latter. Macroscopically, no adhesions or infections were observed in areas of glue application. About 90% of the new glue degraded within 3 months, but complete disappearance was not observed by 6 months. On the other hand, the fibrin glue was replaced by white pleural tissue at 4 weeks. Histologically, the new glue was covered by one layer of mesothelial cells at 2 weeks and completely covered by thick fibrous tissue at 4 weeks. Inflammatory reaction was minimal around the residual glue after 3 months. Although the new glue degraded more slowly than did the fibrin glue, the biocompatibility of the new glue was sufficient for clinical use.

Our new hydrogel glue demonstrates a strong sealing effect, with good biocompatibility, and has potential usefulness as an adhesive in lung surgery.