Development of a Bioinspired, Self-Adhering, and Drug-Eluting Laryngotracheal Patch.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Novel laryngotracheal wound coverage devices are limited by complex anatomy, smooth surfaces, and dynamic pressure changes and airflow during breathing. We hypothesize that a bioinspired mucoadhesive patch mimicking how geckos climb smooth surfaces will permit sutureless wound coverage and also allow drug delivery. STUDY DESIGN: ex-vivo. METHODS: Polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers were electrospun onto a substrate and polyethylene glycol (PEG) - acrylate flocks in varying densities were deposited to create a composite patch. Sample topography was assessed with laser profilometry, material stiffness with biaxial mechanical testing, and mucoadhesive testing determined cohesive material failure on porcine tracheal tissue. Degradation rate was measured over 21 days in vitro along with dexamethasone drug release profiles. Material handleability was evaluated via suture retention and in cadaveric larynges. RESULTS: Increased flocking density was inversely related to cohesive failure in mucoadhesive testing, with a flocking density of PCL-PEG-2XFLK increasing failure strength to 6880 ± 1810 Pa compared to 3028 ± 791 in PCL-PEG-4XFLK density and 1182 ± 262 in PCL-PEG-6XFLK density. The PCL-PEG-2XFLK specimens had a higher failure strength than PCL alone (1404 ± 545 Pa) or PCL-PEG (2732 ± 840). Flocking progressively reduced composite stiffness from 1347 ± 15 to 763 ± 21 N/m. Degradation increased from 12% at 7 days to 16% after 10 days and 20% after 21 days. Cumulative dexamethasone release at 0.4 mg/cm2 concentration was maintained over 21 days. Optimized PCL-PEG-2XFLK density flocked patches were easy to maneuver endoscopically in laryngeal evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: This novel, sutureless, patch is a mucoadhesive platform suitable to laryngeal and tracheal anatomy with drug delivery capability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 131:1958-1966, 2021.

Acute lacerations: Assessment and non-surgical management.

BACKGROUND: Given appropriate case selection and capability, many acute lacerations can be managed in the primary care setting. An understanding of the basic pathophysiology, assessment and management principles is essential. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to provide a basic framework for assessing and managing simple acute lacerations. DISCUSSION: The aim of assessment is initially to decide whether the laceration is suitable for office-based treatment, and then whether it requires formal surgical closure with sutures or staples. Two non-surgical techniques for skin closure in amenable wounds are described. A companion article in this issue provides details of surgical closure techniques and wound aftercare.