A Kind of Modified ePTFE Dura Mater: an Experimental Study

Objective: To observe the influence of a kind of modified e PTFE artificial dura mater on the healing process of rabbit dura mater defect. Methods: A kind of e PTFE artificial dura mater was modified for its external surface by photo-activated chemical cross-linking. The surface modified(treatment group)and unmodified(control group) dura mater were transplanted to repair the defected dura mater in a rabbit model. The wound healing, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, infiltrated fibroblast cells and the thickness of fibrous tissue were observed in 1 week and 3 weeks after the transplantation. Results: Subcutaneous effusion occurred in 2 rabbits of control group and none in treatment group in 1 week after transplantation(P =0.12). The number of fibroblasts in the external surface of artificial dura mater 1 week after transplantation in the treatment group was significantly greater than control group(P0.05). The thickness of fibrous tissues covering artificial dura mater 3 weeks after transplantation in the treatment group was similar to that in control group(P0.05).The healing process of modified dura mater was better than the unmodified dura mater. Conclusion: The photo-activated chemical cross-linking for this e PTFE artificial dura mater is effective to improve the quality of artificial dura mater.