Development of Biopsy Tract Sealants Based on Shape Memory Polymer Foams

Lung biopsies are often used to aid in the diagnosis of cancers. However, procedure carries dual risk air (pneumothorax) or blood (hemothorax) filling pleural cavity, increasing a collapsed lung and chest intubation. This work demonstrates effectiveness polyurethane-based shape memory polymer foam as biopsy tract sealant. The impact diameter, length, pore size, effect was evaluated determine ideal device design for sealing. Characterization an vitro benchtop model identified that diameter had largest influence on sealing efficacy, while length little no impact. Finally, evaluation deployment force demonstrated devices fabricated from foams were easier deploy than elastic foams. Following characterization, down-selected designs combined with radiopaque markers use image-guided-based procedures. Furthermore, introduction sterilization did not ability seal led decrease force. Overall, these results demonstrate potential serve sealant aim reduce complications, such pneumothorax, occurring.