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Cross-linked hydrogel and polyester resorbable ventilation tubes in a Chinchilla model.
Albert H Park1, David Hoyt, David Britt
1University of Utah School of Medicine, Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA. pcapark@ihc.com
The Laryngoscope
|March 21, 2013
Summary
Novel polyester ventilation tubes show predictable resorption and good biocompatibility, similar to nonresorbable options. Silver-modified PLGA tubes offer enhanced stability, while hydrogel tubes exhibit rapid resorption and increased inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Otolaryngology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Ventilation tubes are crucial for middle ear disease management.
- Current materials face limitations in resorption and biocompatibility.
- Novel hydrogel and polyester formulations are being explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the resorption rate and biocompatibility of novel cross-linked hydrogel and polyester ventilation tubes.
- To compare these novel tubes against commercially available fluoroplastic controls in a Chinchilla model.
Main Methods:
- Animal study involving Chinchilla tympanic membrane implantation of hydrogel (chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid based) and polyester (PLA, PLGA, silver-impregnated) ventilation tubes.
- Weekly otoscopy for integrity assessment.
- Auditory brainstem response, otoscopic, and histologic examinations for biocompatibility assessment.
Main Results:
- Hydrogel tubes showed rapid resorption, enlarging the myringotomy site.
- Poly L-lactide (PLA) tubes demonstrated biocompatibility comparable to nonresorbable controls.
- Poly D,L-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) and silver-coated PLGA tubes maintained integrity for approximately 19-21 days, with silver coating reducing inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Resorbable polyester ventilation tubes offer predictable resorption and biocompatibility.
- Silver modification may enhance the stability of PLGA tubes.
- Hydrogel tubes exhibit rapid resorption and increased inflammatory response, limiting their clinical utility.
