Experimental and clinical evaluation of a new synthetic, absorbable sealant to reduce air leaks in thoracic operations

The surgical sealant components (A) and life cycle (B).

The section taken just proximal to the sealant plug (arrow) shows an organized fibrovascular scar that is bridging across and filling the entire bronchial lumen (note hyaline cartilage lower right and left side of frame). The sealants present right center frame surrounded by a cuff of macrophages; note the lack of foreign body giant cell formation and viable cells in contact with it. (Hematoxylin and eosin stain; original magnification, ×25.)

High-power field of the inflammatory reaction against the sealant 19 days after the operation. As in our preclinical experience, the sealant (*) was surrounded by a cuff of large macrophages, fibroblasts, and lymphocytes. (Hematoxylin and eosin stain; original magnification, ×40.)