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Published on: February 2, 2021
Sealing Effect of Cross-Linked Gelatin Glue in the Rat Lung Air Leak Model
Norikazu Kawai1, Shuko Suzuki2, Hiroshi Naito1
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan.
Background:
Air leak is a common problem in pulmonary surgical procedures. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of gelatin glue (cross-linked with glutaraldehyde) in a rat model of lung air leak.
Methods:
A model of pulmonary fistula was created in the rat lung with the use of a needle. The fistula was then sealed with either gelatin glue (group A), fibrin glue (group B), or fibrin glue with a polyglycolic acid sheet (group C). The seal breaking pressures were measured for each group, and the results were compared. To assess the biocompatibility of the gelatin glue, a model of lung damage was created with incision, and the gelatin glue was applied to seal the wound. Histologic analysis was then performed on the lung tissue.
Results:
The seal breaking pressure in group A (47.88 ± 6.69 mm Hg) was significantly higher than that in group B (24.67 ± 3.24 mm Hg, p = 0.0302) or group C (28.67 ± 3.55 mm Hg, p = 0.0406). Histologically, the gelatin glue adhered firmly to the lung surface, and only localized tissue inflammation was observed.
Conclusions:
The sealing effect of gelatin glue was superior to that of fibrin glue, with or without a polyglycolic acid sheet. In addition, the gelatin glue only caused mild inflammation of the lung and was absorbed without any adverse foreign body response. These findings suggest that gelatin glue may be a therapeutically effective biomaterial for sealing lung wounds and restoring respiratory function.
