Reduction of air leaks in a canine model of pulmonary resection with a new staple-line buttress.

Objective: Recently, linear staplers have been used frequently in thoracic surgery; however, air leakage from the staple line is still unresolved. Various buttress materials have been developed to prevent air leakage, but performance is still not satisfactory. We are therefore developing a new material, consisting of calcium alginate nonwoven fabric covered with sodium alginate sponge.
Methods: Thirty-three beagle dogs were divided into 7 groups, and each underwent thoracotomy. Right middle lobe incision was performed with a linear stapler and 1 of the following buttress methods: group A, no buttress; group B, polyglycolic acid nonwoven fabric; group C, fibrin glue alone; group D, polyglycolic acid nonwoven fabric with fibrin glue; group E, polyglycomer sheet; group F, new alginate material; and group G, polyglycolic acid nonwoven fabric plus new alginate material. Burst pressures were measured under mechanical ventilation management.
Results: Burst pressures were 12.0 ± 6.8 cm H(2)O in group A, 31.3 ± 6.6 cm H(2)O in group B, 13.9 ± 3.8 cm H(2)O in group C, 26.9 ± 2.8 cm H(2)O in group D, 24.8 ± 1.8 cm H(2)O in group E, 48.5 ± 4.9 cm H(2)O in group F, and 54.2 ± 12.4 cm H(2)O in group G. F and G group pressures reached the target of 40 to 50 cm H(2)O and were significantly higher than those of the 5 conventional groups (P < .0005)
Conclusions: This alginate buttress should be effective for preventing air leakage during operations because it has both sealant and bolster effects working in conjunction.
(Copyright © 2011 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)