Novel biodegradable magnesium alloy clips compared with titanium clips for hepatectomy in a rat model

Abstract

Background The use of surgical metal clips is crucial for ligating vessels in various operations. The currently available metal clips have several drawbacks; they are permanent and interfere with imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and carry the potential risk of endo-clip migration. We recently developed a novel magnesium (Mg) alloy for biodegradable clips that reduces artifacts on CT imaging. This study aimed to examine the tolerance, biodegradability, and biocompatibility of the Mg alloy clips compared with those of standard titanium (Ti) clips in hepatectomy. Methods Thirty Wistar rats were divided into two groups based on the clip used (groups A and B). The vascular pedicle, including hepatic artery, portal vein, bile duct, and hepatic vein of the left lateral lobe, was ligated with the Ti clip in group A or the Mg alloy clip in group B, and then the left lateral lobe was removed. The rats were sacrificed at 1, 4, 12, 24, and 36 weeks after surgery. Clinical and histological evaluations were performed. Absorption rate was calculated by measuring the clip volume. Results Although the Mg alloy clips showed biodegradability over time, there were no significant differences in the serum concentration of Mg between the two groups. The remaining volume ratio of Mg alloy clips was 95.5, 94.3, 80.0, 36.2, and 16.7% at 1, 4, 12, 24, and 36 weeks, respectively. No side effects occurred. Most of the microscopic changes were similar in both groups. Conclusions The new biodegradable Mg alloy clips are safe and feasible in vessel ligation for hepatectomy in a rat model and reduce artifacts in CT imaging compared with the standard Ti clips.

In vivo performance of a rare earth free Mg–Zn–Ca alloy manufactured using twin roll casting for potential applications in the cranial and maxillofacial fixation devices

“…In a maxillofacial/oral environment, the gas development and soft tissue responses including inflammatory and fibroplasia responses could affect both short term and long-term cosmetic appearance of the surgical site of the patient. For instance, it is worth noting that that few studies have shown the potential of using Mg–Zn–Ca alloys as vascular clips [ 106 , 107 ] and these clips are in oral/maxillofacial surgery to get a better access to the surgical site in some cases. Currently, many fixtures used in maxillofacial and mandibular applications uses plates (or miniplates) with a locking screw arrangement that are made from bioinert Ti alloys.…”

An overview of magnesium-based implants in orthopaedics and a prospect of its application in spine fusion

“…These Mg wires were further processed into hemostatic clips or stents and were widely used in the fields of cardiac surgery [ 276 ] ( Fig. 11 A), general surgery [ [277] , [278] , [279] ] ( Fig. 11 E–G), neurosurgery [ 280 ] ( Fig.…”

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Fig. 11 A. Mg based coronary artery stent, Zong et al [ 276 ], copyright 2022, ELSVIER, Creative Commons Attribution License; B. Mg wire induced nerve regeneration, Vennemeyer et al [ 280 ], copyright 2015, SAGE; C. Mg wire ligated bladder, Okamura et al [ 281 ], copyright 2021, Springer; D. Mg wire ligated urinary tract, Chang et al [ 282 ], copyright 2020, MDPI, Creative Commons Attribution License; E. Mg wire used for hepatectomy, Urade et al [ 279 ], copyright 2019, BMC, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License; F. Mg wire anastomosed intestine, Zhang et al [ 277 ], copyright 2023, Ke Ai, Creative Commons Attribution License; G. Mg wire used for cholecystectomy, Yoshida et al [ 278 ], copyright, 2017, ELSEVIER; H. Mg wire weaving ACL tendon graft in reconstruction surgery, He et al [ 62 , 91 ], copyright 2022, MDPI, Creative Commons Attribution License and 2024, Ke Ai, Creative Commons Attribution License; I. Mg based scaffold based on Mg wire to treat defect, Xue et al [ 283 ], copyright 2022, IOP, Creative Commons Attribution License.

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