TY - JOUR
T1 - Artificial muscle for reanimation of the paralyzed face
T2 - Durability and biocompatibility in a gerbil model
AU - Ledgerwood, Levi G.
AU - Tinling, Steven
AU - Senders, Craig W
AU - Wong-Foy, Annjoe
AU - Prahlad, Harsha
AU - Tollefson, Travis Tate
PY - 2012/11
Y1 - 2012/11
N2 - Background: Current management of permanent facial paralysis centersonnervegraftingandmuscletransfer;however, limitations of those procedures call for other options. Objectives: To determine the durability and biocompatibility of implanted artificial muscle in a gerbil model and the degree of inflammation and fibrosis at the host tissue-artificial muscle interface. Methods: Electroactive polymer artificial muscle(EPAM) devicesengineeredinmedical-gradesiliconewereimplanted subcutaneously in 13 gerbils. The implanted units were stimulated with 1 kVat 1 Hz, 24 h/d via a function generator. Electrical signal input/output was recorded up to 40 days after implantation. The animals were euthanized between23and65days after implantation,andthehosttissue- implant interface was evaluated histologically. Results: The animals tolerated implantation of the EPAM devices well, with no perioperative deaths. The muscle devices created motion for a mean of 30.3 days (range, 19-40 days), with a mean of 2.6×106 cycles (range, 1.6×106 to 3.5×106 cycles). Histologic examination of the explanted devices revealed the development of a minimal fibrous capsule surrounding the implants, with no evidence of bacterial infection or inflammatory infiltrate. No evidence of device compromise, corrosion, or silicone breakdown was noted. Conclusions: Artificial muscle implanted in this shortterm animal model was safe and functional in this preliminary study. We believe that EPAM devices will be a safe and viable option for restoration of facial motions in patients with irreversible facial paralysis.
AB - Background: Current management of permanent facial paralysis centersonnervegraftingandmuscletransfer;however, limitations of those procedures call for other options. Objectives: To determine the durability and biocompatibility of implanted artificial muscle in a gerbil model and the degree of inflammation and fibrosis at the host tissue-artificial muscle interface. Methods: Electroactive polymer artificial muscle(EPAM) devicesengineeredinmedical-gradesiliconewereimplanted subcutaneously in 13 gerbils. The implanted units were stimulated with 1 kVat 1 Hz, 24 h/d via a function generator. Electrical signal input/output was recorded up to 40 days after implantation. The animals were euthanized between23and65days after implantation,andthehosttissue- implant interface was evaluated histologically. Results: The animals tolerated implantation of the EPAM devices well, with no perioperative deaths. The muscle devices created motion for a mean of 30.3 days (range, 19-40 days), with a mean of 2.6×106 cycles (range, 1.6×106 to 3.5×106 cycles). Histologic examination of the explanted devices revealed the development of a minimal fibrous capsule surrounding the implants, with no evidence of bacterial infection or inflammatory infiltrate. No evidence of device compromise, corrosion, or silicone breakdown was noted. Conclusions: Artificial muscle implanted in this shortterm animal model was safe and functional in this preliminary study. We believe that EPAM devices will be a safe and viable option for restoration of facial motions in patients with irreversible facial paralysis.
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U2 - 10.1001/archfacial.2012.696
DO - 10.1001/archfacial.2012.696
M3 - Article
C2 - 22986911
AN - SCOPUS:84872105541
VL - 14
SP - 413
EP - 418
JO - Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery
JF - Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery
SN - 2168-6076
IS - 6
ER -