AMNIOTIC MEMBRANES AS PROSTHETIC MATERIAL - EXPERIMENTAL UTILIZATION DATA OF A RAT MODEL

Background/Purpose: Prosthetic materials are applied for closing big t issue defects, the repair of traumatized organs, or hernias. Because n onabsorbable synthetic materials are rigid, possess a defined and unch angable size, and foreign body reaction (FBR) may occur, biological ma terials may be an alternative. Methods: In experimental studies in rat s the authors implanted the fetal parts of the human amniotic membrane s and examined the utilization and FBR induced in a standardized model . In addition amnion (AM) was combined with vicryl-net (VN) for higher implant stability. Fifteen, 30 and 90 days after implantation, macros copic appearance was examined, and light microscopy and immunohistolog y testing of the specimens were performed. Results: Adhesions to paren chymal organs and omentum were present irrespective of the side facing the abdominal cavity. AM induced a rapid FBR, which diminished with t ime. Chorion (CH) and parts of the AM were resorbed within the examine d period after infiltration with recipient cells and neovascularisatio n. The combined implant, AM, and VN showed best results because disadv antages of one material could be compensated for by the advantages of the other. Conclusion: The studies show that AM, in its anatomic defin ition, combined with VN proves to be a safe and reliable prosthetic ma terial for the use in tissue defects. Copyright (C) 1997 by W.B. Saund ers Company.