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  • Flap prefabrication using high-density porous polyethylene in an animal model – an experimental study.

Flap prefabrication using high-density porous polyethylene in an animal model – an experimental study.

Medical science monitor basic research (2013-08-22)
Łukasz Krakowxzyk, Adam Maciejewski, Cezary Szymczyk, Maciej Grajek, Ewa Stobiecka, Stanisław Pòłtorak
ABSTRACT

The search for new surgical flap techniques and modifications of already existing ones is gaining increasing popularity. Progress in flap designing and harvesting have improved the functional and aesthetic results, especially in head and neck reconstruction. Ten pigs were used in this study. In the first operation, high-density porous polyethylene prefabrication was performed bilaterally in all pigs. After 8 weeks, each prefabricated complex was explored, resected, and macroscopically evaluated. All of 20 prefabricated flaps survived. No serious surgical complications were observed. In 2 cases there was chronic inflammation and in 4 cases there was instability of the implant. After this experimental study, we believe that the use of high-density porous polyethylene in flap prefabrication may be a good option for reconstruction of 3-dimensional defects, especially in patients with limited donor tissues.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Supelco
Polyethylene, analytical standard, for GPC, 2,000
Sigma-Aldrich
Polyethylene, Ultra-high molecular weight, average Mw 3,000,000-6,000,000
Sigma-Aldrich
Polyethylene, Ultra-high molecular weight, surface-modified, powder, 125 μm avg. part. size
Sigma-Aldrich
Polyethylene, Ultra-high molecular weight, surface-modified, powder, 34-50 μm particle size
Sigma-Aldrich
Polyethylene, High density, melt index 12 g/10 min (190 °C/2.16kg)
Sigma-Aldrich
Polyethylene, low density, melt index 25 g/10 min (190°C/2.16kg)
Sigma-Aldrich
Polyethylene, Linear low density, melt index 1.0 g/10 min (190°C/2.16kg)
Sigma-Aldrich
Polyethylene, High density, melt index 2.2 g/10 min (190 °C/2.16kg)
Sigma-Aldrich
Polyethylene, Medium density
Sigma-Aldrich
Polyethylene, average Mw ~4,000 by GPC, average Mn ~1,700 by GPC
Polyethylene (LDPE), ERM®, certified reference material