Bioresorbable Molybdenum Temporary Epicardial Pacing Wires

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Cardiac pacing with temporary epicardial pacing wires (TEPW) is used to treat rhythm disturbances after cardiac surgery. Occasionally, TEPW cannot be mechanically extracted and remain in the thorax, where they may rarely cause serious complications like migration and infection. We aim to develop bioresorbable TEPW that will dissolve over time even if postoperative removal is unsuccessful. In the present study, we demonstrate a completely bioresorbable design using molybdenum (Mo) as electric conductor and the resorbable polymers poly(D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) for electrically insulating double-coating. We compared the pacing properties of these Mo TEPW demonstrators to conventional steel TEPW in Langendorff-perfused rat hearts and observed similar functionality. In vitro, static immersion tests in simulated body fluid for up to 28 days elucidated the degradation behaviour of uncoated Mo strands and the influence of polymer coating thereon. Degradation was considerably reduced in double-coated Mo TEPW compared to the uncoated and the PLGA-coated condition. Furthermore, we confirmed good biocompatibility of Mo degradation products in the form of low cytotoxicity in cell cultures of human cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Temporary pacing wires are routinely implanted on the heart surface to treat rhythm disturbances in the days following major cardiac surgery. Subsequently, these wires are to be removed. When removal attempts are unsuccessful, wires are cut at the skin level and the remainders are left inside the chest. Retained fragments may migrate within the body or become a centre of infection. These complications may be prevented using resorbable pacing wires. We manufactured completely resorbable temporary pacing wires using molybdenum as electrical conductor and assessed their function, degradation and biological compatibility. Our study represents an important step in the development of a safer approach to the treatment of rhythm disturbances after cardiac surgery.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)330-339
Number of pages10
JournalActa biomaterialia
Volume178
Early online date1 Mar 2024
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0003-2514-9429/work/155292141
unpaywall 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.02.039
Scopus 85187578462

Keywords

Keywords

  • Animals, Humans, Rats, Molybdenum/pharmacology, Cardiac Pacing, Artificial, Pacemaker, Artificial, Absorbable Implants, Pericardium