Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026
Author Spotlight: Advancing Pelvic Prolapse Treatment with a Non-Mesh Approach using Laparoscopic Pectopexy
Published on: October 25, 2024
Study of poly-ɛ-caprolactone membranes for pleurodesis
Ke-Cheng Chen1, Min-Shu Hsieh2, Yun-Ru Li3
1Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine and College of Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Background/Purpose:
Pleurodesis with biomaterial membrane is an emerging treatment method for pneumothorax. However, the ideal one for the common disease is still under debate.
Methods:
We investigate the Poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) membrane pleurodesis by using New Zealand White rabbits, which was sacrificed for examination one month later. Moreover, inflammation and fibrosis scoring were done under microscopic evaluation, as well as Western blot analysis in vitro and in vivo.
Results:
Gross evaluation of pleurodesis score revealed that dense PCL membrane produced moderate pleural adhesion, while porous PCL membrane exhibited significantly higher pleurodesis scores.
Conclusion:
PCL membrane induced significant degree of adhesion, both within the abdomen and chest of the rabbits. The porous PCL membrane produces more intensive adhesion than dense one. Fibronectin plays an important role in the process of pleurodesis. Further study is required for the clinical application of the promising material.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Pleura of the Lungs
01:28Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations: