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Reduction of post-surgical pericardial adhesions using a pig model
Ali M Alizzi1, Phillip Summers, Virginia H Boon
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia. alializzi@hotmail.com
Heart, Lung & Circulation
|November 15, 2011
Summary
Systemic Indomethacin and local Coseal significantly reduced pericardial adhesions in a pig model. These treatments offer promising strategies for preventing complications during redo sternotomies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Inflammation and Immunology
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Post-surgical pericardial adhesions increase redo sternotomy risks.
- Adhesion formation involves prostaglandins, plasma leakage, and fibrin.
- Preventing adhesions is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Indomethacin, Rofecoxib, and Coseal for limiting post-cardiac surgery adhesions.
- To assess the efficacy of anti-inflammatory agents and a barrier in a porcine model.
Main Methods:
- 44 piglets were divided into Control, Indomethacin, Rofecoxib, and Coseal groups.
- Adhesions were induced via surgical manipulation and pericardial fluid.
- Inflammatory markers (prostaglandins) and adhesion severity were measured post-surgery.
Main Results:
- Indomethacin and Coseal groups showed significantly reduced adhesion extent.
- Adhesion density was lowest in the Indomethacin and Coseal groups.
- Indomethacin and Rofecoxib inhibited prostaglandin E(2) and thromboxane B(2) synthesis.
Conclusions:
- Systemic Indomethacin and local Coseal effectively reduce pericardial and retrosternal adhesions.
- These agents represent viable options for mitigating adhesion-related complications.
- Further research may explore clinical applications for preventing adhesions.
