Pectin based biologic Velcro effectively seals traumatic solid organ and small bowel injuries

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Biomaterials Science
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Liver and small bowel injuries are frequent in polytrauma, with high morbidity and mortality despite current damage-control techniques.
• Pectin polymers show potential for sealing visceral organ injuries via physiochemical interactions with the glycocalyx.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of a pectin-based bioadhesive patch against standard care for penetrating liver and small bowel injuries in a live animal model.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen swine underwent standardized liver lacerations, randomized to packing, suture repair, or pectin patch repair.
• Following liver repair observation, full-thickness small bowel injuries were created and randomized to suture or pectin patch repair.
• Blood loss after liver repair and small bowel burst pressure after repair were measured.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in baseline vitals or labs were observed between groups.
• Pectin patch repair and suture repair showed comparable blood loss for liver injuries (33 mL vs. 26 mL, p=0.9).
• Small bowel burst pressures were similar between pectin patch and suture repair (234 mm Hg vs. 224 mm Hg, p=0.7).

Conclusions:

• Pectin-based bioadhesive patches performed similarly to standard surgical techniques for liver lacerations and bowel injuries.
• The pectin patch may serve as a simple, effective temporizing measure for traumatic intra-abdominal injuries.
• Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term biodurability of pectin patch repairs.