Assessment of laser treated silicone (LTS) membrane as a pericardial substitute: an InVivo Study

Baekgrouund & Retrosterenal and pericardial adhesions formation after cardiac surgery makes a repeat Sternotomy is time consuming and dangerous, with high risk of iatrogenic trauma to heart, aorta, innominate vessels and grafts. Therefore we decided to find another substitute for pericard other than the ordinary ones in use, with the advantage of lower cost but good results. Thirty sheep,35-45 kg were used in this study and categorized test group and control groups. In group one (n=18) pericardium was excised and the LTS (Laser-Treated Sil- icone) membrane implanted as a pericardial. In control group(n=12) the pericardium was excised without LTS membrane implantation. During followup ranging from 3-24 months, sheep were observed for any clinical– sign of post operation problems. Reoperation was done in all animals of test and control groups to evaluate- adhesions formation. In the control group dense adhesions were observed, while in the study group adhesions- formation was reduced at all sites covered by LTS membrane and no infection or other complications were- observed. The LTS membrane is safe and efficient in reducing pericardial adhesions formation whom might be used in patients undergoing cardiac surgery whom may need reoperation, and due to Lower costs it may replace other substitutes such as PTFF.