Stabilisation of a Segment of Autologous Vascularised Stomach as a Patch for Myocardial Reconstruction with Degradable Magnesium Alloy Scaffolds in a Swine Model

Abstract

In patients with severe heart failure, the surgical reconstruction of the damaged myocardium with regenerative biological grafts is an innovative therapeutic option. However, natural patch materials are often too delicate for a full wall repair of the left ventricle. A degradable magnesium scaffold could provide temporary mechanical stability until the sufficient physiological remodeling of such grafts. An autologous vascularised gastric patch was employed for the reconstruction of the left ventricular myocardium in a porcine model. Magnesium alloy (LA63) scaffolds were fixed over the biological patch. The function of the implant was assessed via magnetic resonance imaging. Angiography was carried out to detect a connection between the gastric and coronary vasculature. The explants were examined via µ-computer tomography and light microscopy. All the test animals survived. The prostheses integrated biologically and functionally into the myocardium. No rupture of the prostheses occurred. An anastomosis of the gastric and coronary vasculature had developed. The magnesium scaffolds degraded, on average, to 30.9% of their original volume. This novel technique responds to the increasing demand for regenerative myocardial grafts. The magnesium scaffolds’ biocompatibility and degradation kinetics, as well as their stabilizing effects, indicate their applicability in the surgical treatment of terminal heart failure.