An Autologous Fibrin Tissue Adhesive With Greater Bonding Power

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate an autologous fibrin tissue adhesive (AFTA) that uses a combination of ethanol and freezing to precipitate fibrinogen (AFTA-E). DESIGN: The bonding power of AFTA-E was compared with that of a conventional AFTA based on ammonium sulfate precipitation of fibrinogen (AFTA-A). In this study, Silastic, porcine dermis, and human dura mater blocks were bonded together for 10 and 30 minutes with AFTA-E or AFTA-A. The blocks were then separated and the bonding power was measured. The efficacy of AFTA-E was also evaluated after a 24-hour refrigeration. SETTING: The Department of Otolaryngology Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, Chicago, Ill. PARTICIPANTS: Blood was drawn from 86 healthy volunteers and AFTA-E and/or AFTA-A was manufactured. RESULTS: The AFTA-E was shown statistically to bond stronger than the AFTA-A. In addition, it was found that the efficacy of AFTA-E was unchanged after a 24-hour refrigeration. CONCLUSIONS: The improved AFTA, AFTA-E, is a superior alternative to the conventional AFTA-A. Furthermore, AFTA-E can be manufactured before surgery and stored, thus minimizing preparation time during surgery.