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Local drug delivery from surgical thread for area-specific anesthesia
Md Lukman Hakim1, Nazmun Nahar1, Mithun Saha1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Plot # 15, Block # B, Bashundhara R/A, Dhaka-1229, Bangladesh.
Biomedical Physics & Engineering Express
|January 13, 2021
Summary
This study introduces a novel analgesic-loaded suture for localized pain control after surgery. This innovative drug-loaded surgical thread offers a promising alternative to systemic pain medications, potentially improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surgical Innovation
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Systemic analgesics are standard for postoperative pain but cause adverse effects.
- Existing pain management strategies can disrupt the body's natural pain control mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a localized analgesic-loaded suture system.
- To provide sustained pain relief at the surgical site.
- To offer an alternative to systemic pain medications.
Main Methods:
- Conventional sutures were modified with poly-dopamine coating and loaded with the local anesthetic lidocaine.
- Surface modifications were confirmed using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM).
- In vitro drug release and in vivo analgesic efficacy were assessed in animal models.
Main Results:
- The modified sutures demonstrated appropriate tensile strength for surgical use.
- In vitro studies confirmed drug release from the suture.
- In vivo studies showed local analgesia starting one day post-surgery and lasting approximately one week in 80% of animals.
Conclusions:
- Drug-loaded surgical sutures represent a viable strategy for localized postoperative pain management.
- This approach may enhance surgical outcomes by providing targeted and sustained anesthesia.
- Further pre-clinical investigation supports the potential of this innovative therapeutic strategy.