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Updated: Jul 24, 2026
Evaluation of a Novel Laser-assisted Coronary Anastomotic Connector - the Trinity Clip - in a Porcine Off-pump Bypass Model
Published on: November 24, 2014
In vivo evaluation of a biodegradable intraanastomotic membrane in a porcine model
Daniel C Freund1, Dennis Wahl1, Eberhard Grambow1,2
1Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, Vascular and Transplantation Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany.
Background:
Anastomotic leakage (AL) represents one of the most serious complications in gastrointestinal surgery, with reported incidence rates of up to 26%. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, early detection of AL remains challenging, and no reliable real-time monitoring system is currently available. In this study, we investigated a resorbable polydioxanone (PDO) membrane as a potential substrate for future sensor integration, aiming to facilitate real-time monitoring of anastomotic healing.
Methods:
In eight German Landrace pigs, 34 ileal side-to-end stapler anastomoses were examined: GM1 (n = 7), GM2 (n = 10), and controls (n = 17). Membrane stability was monitored after implantation, while adhesion formation, burst pressure, and histology were assessed on postoperative day 7.
Results:
Both membrane geometries showed robust stability, with good anchorage of the large spokes within the anastomosis. Geometry 1 (GM1) exhibited higher burst pressure than Geometry 2 (GM2) (193 ± 43.6 vs. 155 ± 65.5 mmHg, p = 0.02). Compared with controls (167 ± 42.3 mmHg), neither GM1 (p = 0.053) nor GM2 (p = 0.379) differed significantly. Adhesions occurred in all groups, without significant differences. Histological evaluations showed typical granulation tissue and fibrosis, with granulocytic inflammation more common in GM1 without affecting anastomotic stability.
Conclusion:
This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that the PDO membrane can be safely incorporated into stapled anastomoses without compromising anastomotic healing. The membrane provides a stable, biocompatible platform suitable for future sensor integration, supporting the development of a diagnostic intraanastomotic device.
