BIOPHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THE GELATIN-RESORCINOL-FORMALDEHYDE GLUTARALDEHYDE ADHESIVE

Refixation of dissected aortic layers with gelatin-resorcin-formaldehy de/glutaraldehyde (GRFG) adhesive represents a new option in the surgi cal treatment of aortic dissection. Because of its ability to reinforc e the delicate structures of the acutely dissected aortic wall, GRFG h as been used increasingly in recent years. However, the biomechanical properties of the adhesive are still unclear, and little is known rega rding the optimal mode of its application. In an ex vivo study, aortic specimens from sheep were glued with warm (45-degrees-C) adhesive und er wet and dry conditions and submitted to defined degrees of compress ion (5 Newtons [N], 20 N). Bonded specimens were retracted to assess t ensile strength and elasticity compared with two reference adhesives: cyanoacrylate gel and' fibrin glue. Gelatin-resorcin-formaldehyde/glut araldehyde and cyanoacrylate gel showed similar results at 5 N. Both p rovided better adhesion when applied under dry conditions (GRFG 5 N: d ry, 3.5 +/- 1.6 N/cm2; wet, 1.4 +/- 1.0 N/CM2; cyanoacrylate gel 5 N: dry, 4.8 +/- 1.8 N/cM2; wet, 3.2 +/- 1.3 N/cM2) . At 20 N, GRFG tensil e strength was significantly increased for either condition compared w ith values at 5 N (GRFG 20 N: dry, 17.1 +/- 4.2 N/cm2; wet, 4.8 +/- 1. 8 N/cm2). Fibrin glue demonstrated only weak adhesive properties even under dry conditions (fibrin glue 5 N: dry, 0.8 +/- 0.3 N/cm2). Gelati n-resorcin-formaldehyde/glutaraldehyde has good adhesive properties bo th in wet and dry tissue. Bonding capacity can be substantially increa sed when applied on dry surfaces and at increased pressures.