What are the risks of using biologic glues?

Aortic tissue pathology in reoperative post-dissection repair following prior use of BioGlue

AIM

The benefits of BioGlue as a surgical adjunct in aortic procedures have been demonstrated in several studies, but limited information is available regarding the associated histopathological findings of aortic tissue at the time of reoperation. The objective of this study was to assess, at reoperation, the histopathological characteristics of aortic tissue which has had BioGlue applied during a previous surgery.

METHODS

This prospective, single-center, single-arm study enrolled patients who were undergoing aortic reoperation and who had BioGlue used during previous aortic surgery. Histopathological assessment of aortic specimens obtained intraoperatively was performed on tissue that would have been removed independent of subject participation in the study.

RESULTS

A total of 11 patients were enrolled and based on gross assessment, excessive amounts of BioGlue had been applied during the initial surgery in 36.4% of cases. The samples with the greatest amount of residual BioGlue demonstrated moderate to marked inflammatory responses, while the remaining samples demonstrated minimal to moderate inflammatory responses. Calcification of residual BioGlue was noted in 4 cases. Substantial medial degeneration was associated with suture line dehiscence in 4 cases, some of which had a large quantity of residual BioGlue. No evidence of suture degradation was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Cases with surgical anastomosis dehiscence were associated with substantial medial degeneration. While no histologic findings directly linked BioGlue to these degenerative changes, a contributory role cannot be excluded. Following the manufacturer's instructions for appropriate application of BioGlue is crucial to prevent potential complications.

Does BioGlue contribute to anastomotic pseudoaneurysm after thoracic aortic surgery?

BACKGROUND

Although bovine serum albumin-glutaraldehyde glue (BioGlue®) has been successfully used as a hemostatic adjunct in aortic surgical procedures, there are reports that it may lead to anastomotic pseudoaneurysm formation. We seek to examine if the use of BioGlue is associated with a high incidence of anastomotic pseudoaneurysm formation following surgical repair of thoracic aortic disease.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records and follow-up computed tomography (CT) scans of patients from 2001 to 2015 in whom BioGlue was used during surgical repair of thoracic aortic disease to detect postoperative anastomotic pseudoaneurysm formation.

RESULTS

A total of 233 patients with BioGlue use were identified. Mean age was 63.5±14.0 years (median 66; range 14-88; 25-75%, IQR 54-74 years) and 149 were male (63.9%). Surgical indication was thoracic aortic aneurysm in 169 (72.5%) patients, aortic dissection in 49 (21.0%), intramural hematoma in 9 (3.9%), penetrating aortic ulcer in 3 (1.3%) and other in 3 (1.3%). Emergency/urgent surgery was performed in 68 cases (29.2%). Operative mortality was 7.3% (17/233). Re-exploration for bleeding and neurologic deficits occurred in 24 (10.3%) and 21 (9.0%) patients respectively. All operative survivors were followed (100%, 216/216) and CT follow-up was available in 81.9% (177/216) for a mean duration of 2.4 years (median 0.6; 25-75% IQR 0.2-3.6 years). Anastomotic pseudoaneurysm was detected in 1 patient (0.6%) at 3 years postoperatively. This was an elderly female with extremely frail tissues who underwent a reoperative ascending and arch replacement for dissection.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of BioGlue in thoracic aortic surgery was not associated with excess incidence of anastomotic pseudoaneurysm formation following surgical repair of thoracic aortic disease. Its use need not be discouraged on this basis.

Effects of albumin/glutaraldehyde glue on healing of colonic anastomosis in rats

AIM

To evaluate the effect of local surgical adhesive glue (albumin/glutaraldehyde-Bioglue) on the healing of colonic anastomoses in rats.

METHODS

Forty Albino-Wistar male rats were randomly divided into two groups, with two subgroups of ten animals each. In the control group, an end-to-end colonic anastomosis was performed after segmental resection. In the Bioglue group, the anastomosis was protected with extraluminar application of adhesive glue containing albumin and glutaraldehyde. Half of the rats were sacrificed on the fourth and the rest on the eighth postoperative day. Anastomoses were resected and macroscopically examined. Bursting pressures were calculated and histological features were graded. Other parameters of healing, such as hydroxyproline and collagenase concentrations, were evaluated. The experimental data were summarized and computed from the results of a one-way ANOVA. Fisher’s exact test was applied to compare percentages.

RESULTS

Bursting pressures, adhesion formation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and collagen deposition were significantly higher on the fourth postoperative day in the albumin/glutaraldehyde group than in the control group. Furthermore, albumin/glutaraldehyde significantly increased adhesion formation, inflammatory cell infiltration, neoangiogenesis, and collagen deposition on the eighth postoperative day. There was no difference in fibroblast activity or hydroxyproline and collagenase concentrations.

CONCLUSION

Albumin/glutaraldehyde, when applied on colonic anastomoses, promotes their healing in rats. Therefore, the application of protective local agents in colonic anastomoses leads to better outcomes.

Effect of the Bioadhesive, BioGlue, on Impaired Colonic Anastomose Healing in Rats

Colonic anastomotic leakage is still a problem in general surgery practice. We sought to investigate the effect of a new tissue adhesive, BioGlue, on the healing of normal and impaired colonic anastomoses. Sixty-four rats were randomized into 4 groups. In all animals, a 1-cm segment of the left colon was resected, and an end-to-end sutured anastomosis was created. Animals were then divided into 2 groups: normal and impaired anastomosis. These 2 groups were further subdivided into 2 additional groups: animals that received BioGlue and those that did not. All rats received intraperitoneal injections of either 0.9% NaCl or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Anastomotic evaluation was done 7 days after surgery. Macroscopic healing, mechanical strength, and histopathologic healing parameters were evaluated. Leakage of the anastomosis was significantly higher in rats in the impaired group compared with those in the BioGlue groups (P = 0.043). The adhesion formation score was significantly higher in rats in the impaired anastomosis group compared with the other groups. Bursting pressures were significantly lower in the impaired anastomosis group than in the other ones (P = 0.001). Neoangiogenesis and fibroblast activity were different among the groups (P = 0.001). Inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition did not differ among the groups (P = 0.07). Immediate postoperative intraperitoneal administration of 5-FU after colonic anastomosis inhibits intestinal wound healing. Covering colon anastomoses with BioGlue after suturing conferred beneficial effect on healing.

Aggregation of BioGlue(®) presenting as a right atrial mass: a case report

Use of biological glue during cardiovascular surgery is a common practice, rarely associated with immediate or long-term complications. We present a patient with a right atrial mass as a long-term complication associated with the use of biological glue. Surgical exploration revealed the mass to be an unabsorbed and infected aggregate of biological glue used to stop bleeding from a friable right atrium during previous surgery.

Reoperations for aortic false aneurysms after cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

Aortic false aneurysm is a rare complication after cardiac surgery. Aortic dissection, infection, arterial wall degeneration, and poor surgical technique are recognized as risk factors for the occurrence of postsurgical false aneurysm. Despite some recent reports about percutaneous false aneurysm exclusion, a complex surgical reoperation is needed in most of the cases.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed our experience in 43 patients who received a reoperation for postsurgical aortic false aneurysm in the last 14 years. Thirty-three patients were male. The mean age was 60 ± 12 years. Most of the patients received prior aortic surgery on the aortic root, the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, and the descending thoracic aorta (38 patients). False aneurysm was diagnosed during follow-up evaluation in the absence of any symptoms in 23 cases. Univariate and multivariate analyses on 18 perioperative variables were performed.

RESULTS

In-hospital mortality was 6.9% (3 patients). The postoperative course was complicated in 17 cases (39%). At multivariate analysis, a preoperative history of coronary artery disease and postoperative sepsis were independent risk factors for hospital mortality. Survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 94%, 79%, and 68%, respectively. Freedom from reoperation was 86% at 1 year and 72% at 5 and 10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a high postoperative complication rate, a reoperation for postsurgical aortic false aneurysm can be performed with acceptable mortality and good mid-term and long-term outcomes.

"How I do it: utilization of high-pressure sealants in aortic reconstruction"

BACKGROUND

Suture-line hemostasis, reinforcement of friable tissue, and adhesion prevention are key concerns for patients undergoing cardiac surgery for aortic reconstruction. Failure to secure hemostasis at anastomotic junctures and reinforce fragile tissue may lead to increased blood loss, additional blood product requirements, increased operative time, and, in extreme cases, reoperation. Patients with aortic pathology may also be at higher risk for reoperation, and adhesion formation from prior surgery is an added risk at resternotomy. The advent of high-pressure sealants has been of benefit in helping to alleviate these perioperative challenges.

METHODS

The author utilizes two high-pressure sealants for aortic reconstructive procedures. The first is made of two polymers of polyethylene glycol (PEG) [Coseal, Baxter Healthcare, Corporation], and is used to secure anastomotic suture-line hemostasis and for adhesion prevention. The second is a bovine serum albumin-glutaraldehyde (BSAG) glue [BioGlue, CryroLife, Inc.], used for the repair of dissected aortic tissue and in reinforcing ("tanning") fragile aortic tissues. The techniques for application in select aortic reconstruction procedures are described.

RESULTS

To substantiate the hemostatic clinical benefit observed by the author, 60 consecutive major thoracic aortic operations in 57 patients in whom PEG sealant was used were retrospectively reviewed. Although comparisons with other agents were not performed for this descriptive report, bleeding results were very favorable for these types of operations. The strong clinical impression is that topical hemostatic application of PEG sealant to anastomotic suture lines is helpful in preventing bleeding.

CONCLUSION

In major aortic reconstructive procedures the need for anastomotic sealing performance, reinforcement of friable tissues, and adhesion prevention should not be underrated. High-pressure surgical sealants represent an important surgical adjunct, and the author has found the use of both PEG sealant and BSAG glue advantageous in aortic reconstruction and repair.

Nerve and Conduction Tissue Injury Caused by Contact with BioGlue

BACKGROUND

BioGlue-a surgical adhesive composed of bovine albumin and glutaraldehyde-is commonly used in cardiovascular operations. The objectives of this study were to determine whether BioGlue injures nerves and cardiac conduction tissues, and whether a water-soluble gel barrier protects against such injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 18 pigs, diaphragmatic excursion during direct phrenic nerve stimulation was measured at baseline and at 3 and 30 min after nerve exposure to albumin (n = 3), glutaraldehyde (n = 3), BioGlue (n = 6), or water-soluble gel followed by BioGlue (n = 6). Additionally, BioGlue was applied to the cavoatrial junction overlying the sinoatrial node (SAN), either alone (n = 12) or after application of gel (n = 6).

RESULTS

Mean diaphragmatic excursions in the BioGlue and glutaraldehyde groups were lower at 3 min and 30 min than in the albumin group (P < 0.05). Mean excursions in the gel group were similar to those of the albumin group (P = 0.9). Five BioGlue pigs (83%) and one gel pig (17%) had diaphragmatic paralysis by 30 min (P < 0.05 and P = 0.3 versus albumin, respectively). Coagulation necrosis extended into the myocardium at the cavoatrial junction in all 12 BioGlue pigs but only two gel pigs (33%, P < 0.01). Two BioGlue pigs (17%), but no gel pigs, had focal SAN degeneration and persistent bradycardia (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

BioGlue causes acute nerve injury and myocardial necrosis that can lead to SAN damage. A water-soluble gel barrier is protective.

Influência da cola Bioglue® na deiscência de anastomose colônica: estudo experimental

A grande parte da morbimortalidade associada com a cirurgia colorretal, é associada com a deiscência anastomótica. Trabalhos experimentais sobre a utilidade de adesivos tissulares nas anastomoses colônicas são controversos, assim como estudos clínicos prospectivos randomizados são ausentes. O adesivo cirúrgico BioGlue®, formado por dois componentes - albumina sérica bovina purificada e glutaraldeído, forma uma ligação co-valente entre esses dois componentes e as proteínas teciduais no local de aplicação. O objetivo do estudo é avaliar a eficácia da BioGlue® na prevenção da deiscência anastomótica colônica em ratos. Foram utilizados 30 ratos machos da raça Wistar albino. A anastomose colocolônica foi confeccionada com sutura em pontos separados com polipropileno 5-0 (grupo 1) e aplicação da cola BioGlue® envolvendo a anastomose (grupo 2). Avaliaram-se a formação e extensão das aderências, a pressão de ruptura nas anastomoses e as alterações histológicas. Apenas um animal do grupo 1 (7%) faleceu, sendo constatada na necropsia, obstrução intestinal com grande distensão de alças. A mortalidade no grupo 2, por outro lado, foi de 10 animais (67%), sendo observado: distensão de alças intestinais, vazamento anastomótico e, em algumas situações, franca peritonite fecal por deiscência quase que total da anastomose. O presente trabalho nos permitiu concluir que, o uso da Bioglue® nas anastomoses colônicas realizadas em ratos, promoveu um aumento na morbimortalidade que foi estatisticamente significante comparado à sutura convencional.

Use of BioGlue in Aortic Surgery: Proper Application Techniques and Results in 92 Patients

BACKGROUND

Surgery for pathology of the proximal aorta requires aortic wall reconstruction, re-approximation of the graft to native vessels, and potentially root replacement and valve resuspension or replacement. The purpose of this study is to describe proper application techniques and the results obtained with the adjunctive use of BioGlue Surgical Adhesive in this challenging patient population.

METHODS

Between August 1998 and June 2002, 92 consecutive patients underwent ascending/arch repairs, ascending/root repairs, Ross procedures, or ascending/arch repairs with a concomitant Ross procedure using BioGlue as an adjunct for anastomotic hemostasis.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients (28.3%) in this series required no postoperative blood products. The mortality rate for this single-surgeon series was 3.3%. No device-related complications were observed. The incidence rate for postoperative pseudoaneurysm formation was 3.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

This series demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of BioGlue as a hemostatic adjunct in proximal aortic surgery. Use of the product helped to facilitate a minimal reliance on blood products and a low mortality rate.

Release of Glutaraldehyde From an Albumin-Glutaraldehyde Tissue Adhesive Causes Significant In Vitro and In Vivo Toxicity

BACKGROUND

A two-component sealant composed of bovine serum albumin and glutaraldehyde (BioGlue) is used to treat aortic dissections. Although glutaraldehyde guarantees strong adherence to tissues and synthetic materials, its toxic potential should be considered. The aim of this study was to determine the amount of glutaraldehyde released from BioGlue, its cytotoxic effects on cultured cells, and the local reaction of lung, liver, and aortic tissues to BioGlue.

METHODS

BioGlue was prepared according to the product insert, allowed to polymerize, and then overlaid with saline solution. The supernatant was analyzed for its content of glutaraldehyde. The cytotoxic effect of BioGlue was evaluated by adding the supernatants to either cultured human embryo fibroblasts (MRC5) or mouse myoblasts (C2C12). In vivo toxicity was assessed on three different tissues by applying BioGlue onto a partial lung resection, a liver abrasion, or an intact abdominal aorta in rabbits. Tissue samples were histologically evaluated 2 and 7 days after application.

RESULTS

Saline supernatants from polymerized BioGlue contained 100 to 200 mug/mL glutaraldehyde and were cytotoxic to both cell lines tested. Application of BioGlue to lung and liver tissue evoked serious adverse effects consisting of high-grade inflammation, edema, and toxic necrosis. Intact aortic tissue showed only low-grade or medium-grade inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Polymerized BioGlue releases amounts of glutaraldehyde that are capable of inducing cytotoxic effects both in vitro and in vivo. Use of BioGlue should be restricted to the aortic dissection procedure, as other tissues are sensitive to the amounts of glutaraldehyde released from the glue.

Control of Suture Hole Bleeding After Aortic Valve Replacement by Application of BioGlueTM During Circulatory Arrest

Bleeding from suture holes in aortic valve replacement (AVR) may represent a difficult problem especially if the aortic wall is friable. We describe a case in which suture hole bleeding after AVR was present at the posterior aortic wall close to the pulmonary artery. Following several attempts to suture the leak using felt pledget armed prolene sutures, deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was induced and BioGlue in combination with Tabotamp was applied for successful sealing of the bleeding source.

Application of biological glue in repair of intracardiac structural defects

BACKGROUND

BioGlue (Cryolife Inc, Kennesaw GA) was introduced as an alternative tissue sealant. Its most common application has been in repairs of acute dissections of the aorta. There is no reported experience with its use in the repair of intracardiac structural defects.

METHODS

In 5 patients BioGlue was used as an adjunct in repairs of complex intracardiac structural defects. It was used during patch repair of posterior mitral annular defects in 2 patients and aortic annular defect in 1 patient in the presence of active endocarditis. It was also used in 1 patient with a chronic atrioventricular groove pseudoaneurysm following mitral valve replacement, and in 1 patient during repair of a postinfarction posterior ventricular septal rupture.

RESULTS

There were no hospital or late deaths. Immediate intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography and late follow-up echocardiography documented complete and durable repair of all defects without recurrence. At follow-up all patients are in New York Heart Association class I-II, 6 to 29 months postoperatively. No patient has suffered late complications or exhibited signs of glue embolization.

CONCLUSIONS

BioGlue was found to be an effective adjuvant to the standard techniques used for the repair of intracardiac structural defects of various etiologies. Long-term follow-up is recommended to determine its long-term safety in this application.