Using BioGlue To Treat Alveolar Leaks

Filed in archive Diagnostics, Methodologies and Instrumentation on October 4, 2005

In a study to determine the efficacy of BioGlue (by CryoLife, Inc) in treating air leaks following lung surgery, patients treated with BioGlue had a shorter median duration of air leaks, chest tube drainage, and hospital stay. The results were presented by Professor Peter Goldstraw of the Royal Brompton Hospital in London at the recently concluded European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery meeting in Spain last week.

BioGlue(R) is a surgical adhesive composed of purified bovine serum albumin (BSA) and glutaraldehyde. Using a special delivery system, these molecules covalently bond with each other and, upon application to the tissue proteins at the repair site, create a flexible mechanical seal independently of the body's clotting mechanism. Within two minutes, polymerization is complete and when used in blood vessels, for example, can effectively control bleeding immediately.

BioGlue is FDA approved for use as a surgical adhesive. It is CE marked in the European Community and approved in Canada for use in soft tissue repair and approved in Australia for use in vascular and pulmonary sealing and repair.