In vivo evaluation of skin integration with ventricular assist device drivelines
File version
Author(s)
Diaz, RS
Bolle, ECL
Bartnikowski, N
Fraser, JF
McGiffin, D
Savi, FM
Shafiee, A
Dargaville, TR
Gregory, SD
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract
Background: Ventricular assist device (VAD) driveline exit site infection is a common complication. 3D scaffolds manufactured with highly homogeneous pores via melt electro-writing (MEW) may generate an improved skin-driveline interface which permits cellular in-growth and creates a barrier to prevent bacterial migration along the driveline tissue tunnel. This study investigated skin integration on segments of Heartmate 3 driveline: smooth polyurethane, velour, and on a custom MEW scaffold in a small animal model. Methods: Drivelines with surfaces consisting of smooth polyurethane, velour bonded to smooth polyurethane, and smooth polyurethane with a MEW scaffold sleeve were implanted percutaneously in the dorsum of 42 rats. Each rat was implanted with 2 pieces of driveline of 2 cm in length. Skin integration was assessed after 7 and 14 days. Results: Macroscopically, velour and MEW scaffold surfaces were anchored at the driveline-skin interface while smooth polyurethane samples were not attached. The histology analyses showed epidermal migration throughout the thickness of the velour and MEW scaffold groups. Evident tissue growth around single MEW scaffold fibers resulted in full coverage of the pores, while areas of compacted fibers were apparent in the velour group. Tissue ingrowth was significantly higher in the MEW group compared to the velour group after 7 (p < 0.0001) and 14 days (p < 0.0001). Marsupialization was observed in the smooth polyurethane samples. Mechanical pull-out forces were similar between velour and MEW scaffold groups at 7 and 14 days (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Velour and MEW scaffolds promoted epidermal integration while smooth polyurethane drivelines did not. Fine control of MEW scaffold structure production resulted in full cellular coverage and may reduce driveline infection.
Journal Title
Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation
Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume
41
Issue
8
Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject
Cardiovascular medicine and haematology
Clinical sciences
LVAD
drivelines
infection
melt-electrowriting
skin integration
Persistent link to this record
Citation
Cavalcanti, AS; Diaz, RS; Bolle, ECL; Bartnikowski, N; Fraser, JF; McGiffin, D; Savi, FM; Shafiee, A; Dargaville, TR; Gregory, SD, In vivo evaluation of skin integration with ventricular assist device drivelines, Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation, 2022, 41 (8), pp. 1032-1043