Biodegradable Bone Wax

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-20-1998

Description

The goal of this study is to develop a biodegradable bone wax that will allow the control of sternal bleeding during cardiothoracic procedures without adverse effects. Twenty dogs were anesthetized and prepared for the sterile surgical procedure. After median sternotomy and anticoagulation (3 mg heparin/kg), biodegradable bone wax made of tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) and oxidized cellulose (20% or 52% by weight) was evaluated in 10 dogs. The 20% oxidized cellulose in TPGS: H2O = 60% : 40% mixture resulted in complete hemostasis and was used for chronic evaluation. Four dogs each were subjected to biodegradable and normal bone wax with two additional dogs serving as controls (no bone wax). At 6 weeks after operation, the sterna were atraumatically harvested en bloc and radiographed immediately. The histological specimens were transversely sectioned across the manubrium to evaluate the healing and new formation of bone. The control and biodegradable bone wax groups were markedly better than the normal bone wax group. The strength of healed sternal segments (3 per dog) were measured. The control (9.2 ± 1.7 kg) and biodegradable bone wax (10.1 ± 1.6 kg) groups were significantly (P < .01) stronger than the normal bone wax (2.4 ± 1.0 kg) group. A biodegradable bone wax was developed to effectively maintain sternal hemostasis during cardiothoracic procedures without hindering the healing of the sternum. In addition, antibiotics, growth factors, and pharmacologic agents can also be included to prevent infection, enhance bone healing and subdue inflammation.

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