Experimental study of bio-material artificial chest wall for reconstruction of huge bony defects of chest wall in mongrels / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To build a bio-material artificial chest wall and discuss its feasibility and efficiency in reconstruction of huge bony defects of chest wall in mongrels in comparison with traditional "sandwich" procedure. Methods (1) The procine osteal and membranate tissues were treated with epoxy cross linking method and their surfaces were modified with amino acid solutions at various concen-trations and at different temperatures to obtain an artificial pleura and artificial ribs for construction of the artificial chest wall. (2) The huge bony defects (5 cm×5 cm) were created in chest wall of five Chinese mongrels. (3) Three mongrels in test group was repaired with artificial chest wall, while two mongrels in control group was repaired with traditional "sandwich" complex. A follow-up was carried out to observe reconstruction effect and rejection in both groups at 3,6 and 12 months after implantation. Results There was no death found during the perioperative period and at 12 month follow-up in test group, with abnormal contour of chest wall and good thoracic activity after reconstruction. In the meantime, there found no rejection, collapse in the repaired region or paradoxical respiration. The postoperative X-rays at 3,6,12 and 24 months showed a good integrity of the thorax, with no collapse, deformation or abnormal movement. Meanwhile, the follow-up of control group showed a normal contour but slight collapse, with no paradoxical respiration. The Chest X-ray examination revealed that the bone cement in" sandwich" complex was X ray opaque and showed mild abnormal movement with breathing. The common blood test and immune items showed no abnormal. Conclusions The bio-material artificial chest wall is a safe and effective reconstruction technique for bony defects of thoracic wall in mongrels, with no acute or chronic rejection.