Locking mechanism strength of absorbable ligating devices

Abstract

The locking mechanism strengths of the absorbable Absolok and Lactomer ligating clips and the absorbable Lactomer staple have been determined following implantation in an animal model. Three sizes of each type of clip and the single size of staple were enclosed in open mesh nylon pouches and implanted subcutaneously in rabbits for periods of 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days before tensile testing of the lock mechanisms. No change in the lock mechanism strength was detected for the Absolok clips before 21 days. The Lactomer clips and staples, however, showed significant decrease in lock mechanism strength within 7 days of implantation, this loss increasing with longer implantation times. A proportion of all the devices were found to have dissolved to an extent that precluded testing at 21 and 28 days. The findings indicate that the lock mechanisms of absorbable ligating clips differ significantly in their short-term (30 days) durability.

Surface characteristics and fibroblast adhesion behavior of RGD-immobilized biodegradable PLLA films

“…3,4 Among many biodegradable polymers, poly(α-hydroxy acids) such as poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) and poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) have attained a unique position in the field of biomedical materials because of their excellent mechanical properties and biological affinity. [5][6][7] However, their highly crystalline and hydrophobic nature has interfered with modulation of their degradation rate and mechanical properties. It has also been difficult to impart functionality to these polymers by application of the ordinary chemical modification methods.…”

Blending of poly(lactic acid) and starches containing varying amylose content

“…34 Semicrystalline PLA is preferred in cases where high mechanical strength and toughness are required. 32,35 These properties have made PLA attractive for disposable and biodegradable plastic substitutes. In our previous work, methods of blending starch with PLA are investigated, along with starch ratio, starch moisture content, blend heat treatment, plasticizers, and coupling agents-all of these variables affected blend properties.…”

Physical Properties of Poly(Lactic Acid) and Starch Composites with Various Blending Ratios

“…Among these biopolymers, PLA has been studied extensively for tissue engineering and drug delivery systems since the 1980s, and is the most widely used synthetic degradable polymers in human medicine (Huang 1989). PLA has good biodegradability (Reed and Gilding 1981, Leenslag and Pennings 1987, Nakamura et al 1989 and mechanical properties (Engelberg and Kohn 1991), and the semicrystalline PLA is preferred in cases where high mechanical strength and toughness are required (Leenslag and Pennings 1987, Vainiopaa et al 1987, Hay et al 1988. These properties have made PLA attractive for disposable and biodegradable plastic substitutes.…”