In Vivo Biocompatibility of a Novel Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Suture for Annuloplasty

Abstract

Background Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) is a suture material for annuloplasty in aortic valve repair. For this particular application, it should induce minimal local stress and promote rapid tissue incorporation. To achieve this, a novel ePTFE suture with a larger diameter and high porosity in its midsection has been developed. Herein, we analyzed the acute and chronic tissue reaction to this suture material compared with a commercially available control ePTFE suture. Methods Novel and control suture samples were implanted into dorsal skinfold chambers of BALB/c mice to analyze the early inflammatory response using intravital fluorescence microscopy over 14 days. Additional suture samples were implanted for 4 and 12 weeks in the flank musculature of mice and analyzed by histology and immunohistochemistry. Results The implantation of novel and control ePTFE suture into the dorsal skinfold chamber did not induce an acute inflammation, as indicated by physiological numbers of rolling and adherent leukocytes in all analyzed venules. Chronic implantation into the flank musculature showed a better tissue incorporation of the novel ePTFE suture with more infiltrating cells and a higher content of Sirius red+ collagen fibers when compared with controls. Cell proliferation and viability as well as numbers of recruited CD68+ macrophages, myeloperoxidase+ neutrophilic granulocytes and CD3+ lymphocytes did not significantly differ between the groups. Conclusion The novel ePTFE suture exhibits a good in vivo biocompatibility which is comparable to that of the control suture. Due to its improved tissue incorporation, it may provide a better long-term stability during annuloplasty.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) suture vs fiberwire and polypropylene in flexor tendon repair

“…As a dual benefit, the knot is less of a breaking point and the risk of gapping is minimized [ 26 ]. In addition, PTFE is biologically inert [ 27 ] and less likely to cause inflammation [ 5 , 28 ]. Finally, as a monofilamentous material, it is less prone to infection [ 29 ].…”

“…Related substances like Gore-Tex® (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) or Teflon are widely used in cardiovascular and plastic surgery. There is little foreign body reaction in animal models using the material which stands for an adequate biocompatibility [6][7][8].…”

Cell-membrane-inspired polymers for constructing biointerfaces with efficient molecular recognition

“…These hydrophobic surfaces are known to have considerable affinity for oil droplets in aqueous environments, that is, they adsorb proteins and lipids, and do not inhibit blood clotting reactions. 89–93 Essentially, research on material design from the physicochemical viewpoint of controlling surface free energy and interfacial energy, involving aspects such as simple hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity, has not succeeded in yielding anti-blood-coagulating properties.…”

Understanding the In Vivo Fate of Advanced Materials by Imaging

“…The biocompatibility of sutures has also been evaluated via IVM in mouse WC models. [407] Finally, transparent graphene electrodes have recently been developed to enable the simultaneous recording of electrophysiology and in vivo imaging for studies of brain and neuronal physiology. [408,409] In these studies, the electrode is implanted directly in the cranial WC to apply electrical stimulation or record electrical signals, while fluorescence IVM is used to record changes in signaling, such as with the GCaMP6f calcium signaling reporter mouse model.…”