Evaluation of Elastin-Fibrin biomaterial in experimental pancreatic surgery

Artificial connective soft tissue, so-called “Elastin-Fibrin” biomaterial, was investigated to reinforce a pancreato-jejunum anastomosis in the dog. The ambiguous results invite us, however, to improve the quality of the material, especially against proteolytic degradation: elastinolysis and fibrinolysis. Antibiotic was also added. The improved material was tested, first in rabbit then in dog, to repair a large loss of substance in the duodenum, just in front of the Wirsung duct. In view of the successful results, we are now attempting an evaluation in humans, for all indications throughout the digestive system.