Novel tubular constructs for urinary diversion: a biocompatibility study in pigs

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Urology

Background:

• Bowel tissue use in urinary diversion leads to complications.
• Regenerative medicine offers engineered conduits as an alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate novel tubular constructs for artificial urinary diversion.
• To compare collagen-Vypro, collagen-Vicryl, and collagen-DUAL constructs in a porcine model.

Main Methods:

• Three collagen-based tubular constructs (COL-Vypro, COL-Vicryl, COL-DUAL) were fabricated.
• Constructs were implanted into full bladder defects in female pigs (n=11).
• Evaluation occurred at 1 and 3 months post-implantation, assessing surgical handling, voiding, biocompatibility, and tissue regeneration.

Main Results:

• Polymer-containing constructs had higher strength and superior surgical handling.
• All pigs voided normally; survival rate was 82%.
• COL-Vicryl showed the best biocompatibility and urothelial, muscle, and elastin regeneration, with minimal remnants at 1 month. COL-Vypro led to stone formation.

Conclusions:

• The COL-Vicryl construct is superior in biocompatibility and bladder tissue regeneration.
• COL-Vicryl holds significant potential for artificial urinary diversion applications.
• This engineered conduit offers a promising alternative to traditional bowel segments.