Evaluation of fibrin sealants in cutaneous wound closure

Human fibrin sealant (HFS) and bovine fibrin sealant (BFS) were delivered a s preformulated fibrinogen-thrombin mixtures that are light activated. Thes e formulations were evaluated in the healing of incised cutaneous wounds in beagle dogs. Four groups were differentiated by sealant type and study dur ation with group: BFS for 10 days, HFS for 10 days, BFS for 30 days, and HF S for 30 days. Healing was evaluated by noting incidences of open wounds, l aser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI), planimetry, breaking strength, and h istopathology, In the absence of tension, both sealants tended to hold woun d edges together; however, HFS tended to be better than its controls and BF S, Both sealants augmented suture closure, necessitating fewer sutures for wound closure. At 5 and 30 days BFS wounds had more perfusion than HFS woun ds, indicating more inflammation, At 10 and 30 days BFS wounds had larger s car areas than their controls, while scar areas of HFS wounds were smaller than either BFS wounds or controls. Breaking strengths indicated that HFS w ounds were stronger than their controls and BFS wounds. Histologically, mil d to moderate chronic-active inflammation was observed in wounds receiving either sealant, and this persisted longer in BPS wounds. Overall, HFS had p ositive qualities, thus showing potential for functional and cosmetic wound closure, (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.