Preparation of autologous fibrin glue from pericardial blood

Rapid production of autologous fibrin hydrogels for cellular encapsulation in organ regeneration

Autologous hydrogel manufacture is an exciting technique within the field of regenerative medicine. Fibrin is a protein with many biocompatible and regenerative features. The ability to generate fibrin scaffolds with the necessary matrix topography for cell integration, from a patient's autologous tissue, could improve the translation of many tissue engineering efforts from bench to clinical application. Here we describe the rapid extraction and production of fibrin hydrogels for development of organs, using a simple low-cost series of centrifugations and ethanol precipitation, which produces hydrogels of a more predictable amount and morphology.

Fibrin Sealants and Glues

Fibrin sealants and fibrin glues have become effective instruments in the care of surgical patients. They have been used as an adjunct to hemostasis, wound healing, tissue adhesion, and drug delivery. In cardiac surgery, fibrin glues have emerged as valuable tools to improve hemostasis, decreased blood transfusions, improve tissue handling, and pretreat vascular grafts. Fibrin glues and sealants are now available commercially in the United States. This article will review the history, pharmacology, uses, and toxicity of fibrin sealants and fibrin glues.

Repair of experimental atrial rupture with fibrin glue

Ten cases of experimental atrial rupture were created in five pigs by cutting into both atria. The defects measured approximately 3.0 x 1.0 cm. Bleeding was stopped by applying a tangential clamp and the defect in the atrium was sealed with fibrin glue (mean volume 2.0 ml, range 1.5-2.5 ml) with a mean fibrin concentration of 23 mg/ml. The mean pressures in the atria were 11 cmH2O in the left and 10 cmH2O in the right atrium. The clamp was released after 5 min and the atria were observed for bleeding for 30 min. In four animals, immediate haemostasis was obtained. In one animal, both atria leaked after release of the clamp because too little fibrin glue was applied, but complete haemostasis was obtained at a second attempt. All experimental atrial defects could be sealed with fibrin glue (P = 0.03), and we believe, based on our experimental results, that fibrin glue may have a place in emergency cases to improve the management of atrial injury. In conclusion successful repair of experimental atrial rupture was performed by the use of fibrin glue.