Successful repair of esophageal injury using an elastin based biomaterial patch

An esophageal injury with significant tissue loss is very difficult to repa ir. We conducted an in vivo study to test our elastin based acellular bioma terial patch to repair such defect. The patch was made from porcine aorta, by decellularization and sterilization. Collagen fibers were preserved to r etain mechanical strength and enhance cellular in-growth. Ten domestic pigs underwent right thoracotomy. A 2 cm circular defect was made on the distal esophagus, excising half its circumference, and was repaired using the bio material patch and sutures. Soon after the procedure, the animals resumed o ral feeding. They were followed for clinical status, weight gain, barium st udies, and endoscopic studies, and were killed after 6 weeks to 4 months. A ll ten animals survived long term, with a procedure success rate of 100% (1 0 of 10). With the exception of one pneumothorax, no complications occurred , and all animals resumed oral feeding and gained weight. Endoscopic studie s showed mucosal coverage by 6 weeks, with minimal stricture at the repair site. Excised specimens showed complete mucosal coverage with regeneration of all three layers. Our biomaterial patch can be used safely and reliably for repair of esophageal injury with significant tissue loss when repaired immediately as in our experiment.