Efficacy of Alaska Pollock Gelatin Sealant for Pulmonary Air Leakage in Porcine Models

Abstract

Background: Postoperative prolonged air leakage is a frequent complication after lung resection. We have developed a new sealant based on a hydrophobically modified Alaska pollock-derived gelatin (ApGltn) sealant. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adhesive strength of the ApGltn sealant in comparison with a fibrin sealant using a new spray system in ex vivo and in vivo models.

Methods: Pleural defects in ex vivo and in vivo porcine models were created, to which the ApGltn sealant or the fibrin sealant was applied. The pressure resistance was assessed with a stepwise increase in airway pressure to confirm air leakage from the sealing site. Tissue samples covered with each sealant were obtained for histologic assessment.

Results: In the ex vivo experiment, the leak pressures of the ApGltn sealant were significantly greater than those of the fibrin sealant (102.94 ± 15.6 cm H₂O and 28.37 ± 5.1 cm H₂O, respectively) (P < .01). In the in vivo experiment, the leak pressures of the ApGltn sealant were also significantly greater than those of the fibrin sealant (68.82 ± 18.04 cm H₂O and 43.33 ± 7.13 cm H₂O, respectively) (P = .043). The histologic examination confirmed that the ApGltn sealant adhered tightly to both the pleura and the surface of the pleural defect.

Conclusions: The ApGltn sealant has sufficiently high adhesive quality in ex vivo and in vivo porcine lungs, which could be considered suitable and effective for use in the prevention of air leakage from the lungs.