Regeneration of Surgically Excised Segments of Dog Esophagus using Biodegradable PLA Hollow Organ Grafts

摘要

The object of this study was to test the feasibility of using a biodegradable polymeric implant constructed from the polymers and copolymers of polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA) to replace an excised segment of the dog esophagus. On a conceptual basis, the use of a biodegradable polymer to fabricate a successful hollow organ graft holds promise, in that, if successful, it would obviate the need for multiple operations and the concern for the vascular integrity of the graft segment. Also, such off-the-shelf grafts would be readily available for immediate repair of a traumatic defect and could be cut to various lengths, depending on the defect to be repaired. Polylactic and polyglycolic acid polymers have been used as implant materials in the orbital floor, as fixation devices for fractures, and as suture material and in these uses have been shown to exhibit minimal inflammatory response and satisfactory healing response at the implant or suture site. The degradation rates of polymers and copolymers of polylactic and polyglycolic acids have been shown to be a function of the type of polymer used as well as different copolymer ratios.