The Reaction of Unerodable Porous Polymer Treated with CO2 Laser in Rat Middle Ear

Park, Moon Suh; Yoo, Seung Hoon; Ham, Hyoung Seok; Kim, Young Soo

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Long term success of the implant depends on the biocompatibility and biofunctionality. Biomaterial engineering and tissue engineering have provided important clue for choosing adequate biomaterials. Recently, laser application in reconstructive surgery has been developed in the fields of vascular, intestinal and nerve anastomosis. In the otologic field ear drum or polymer prostheses was treated with laser for reconstructive use. However, there was only a few attempts to find the morphological change and tissue reaction of laser treated material or tissue in otologic field. The aim of this study is to evaluate the biocompatibility and biofunctionality of laser treated polymer in the middle ear.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UMWP) was chosen. UMWP was inserted into middle ear of Sprague-Dawley rats. After 1, 2, 4 weeks, the bullae were removed and tissue reactions were observed with Hematoxilin-Eosin stain.
RESULTS
In the animal study, more inflammatory cells were infiltrated on surface of laser treated UMWP compared with non-treated UMWP after 1 week. After 2 weeks, more macrophages and fibroblasts were found in the laser treated UMWP than in the nontreated UMWP. After 4 weeks, thin fibrous encapsulations were formed around the UMWP in both groups. In the laser treated UMWP, more pronounced destruction was found.
CONCLUSION
These results indicated decrease of biofunctionality and acceptable biocompatibility of UMWP.