From in vitro evaluation to human postmortem pre-validation of a radiopaque and resorbable internal biliary stent for liver transplantation applications
Résumé
The implantation of an internal biliary stent (IBS) during liver transplantation has
recently been shown to reduce biliary complications. To avoid a potentially morbid ablation
procedure, we developed a resorbable and radiopaque internal biliary stent (RIBS). We studied
the mechanical and radiological properties of RIBS upon in vivo implantation in rats and we
evaluated RIBS implantability in human anatomical specimens.
For this purpose, a blend of PLA50-PEG-PLA50 triblock copolymer, used as a polymer
matrix, and of X-ray-visible triiodobenzoate-poly(-caprolactone) copolymer (PCL-TIB), as a
radiopaque additive, was used to design X-ray-visible RIBS. Samples were implanted in the
peritoneal cavity of rats. The radiological, chemical, and biomechanical properties were
evaluated during degradation. Further histological studies were carried out to evaluate the
degradation and compatibility of the RIBS. A human cadaver implantability study was also
performed.
The in vivo results revealed a decline in the RIBS mechanical properties within 3
months, whereas clear and stable X-ray visualization of the RIBS was possible for up to 6
months. Histological analyses confirmed compatibility and resorption of the RIBS, with a
limited inflammatory response. The RIBS could be successfully implanted in human anatomic
specimens. The results reported in this study will allow the development of trackable and
degradable IBS to reduce biliary complications after liver transplantation.
Origine | Fichiers produits par l'(les) auteur(s) |
---|
Loading...