Combined Use Of Barrier Methods To Prevent Pericardial Adhesions: Is It Always Better?

Background: This study aims to investigate the effects of combined and individual use of pericardial closure, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane and resorbable adhesion barrier (REPEL-CV (R)) on pericardial adhesions on a rabbit model. Methods: Thirty rabbits were randomly assigned to six groups: control, pericardium, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, resorbable membrane, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene + resorbable membrane, and pericardium + resorbable membrane. At the postoperative five weeks, the tenacity of the adhesions was evaluated using a qualitative grading system, and histological specimens were examined. Results: Resorbable membrane group had significantly lower tenacity scores, compared to the control, pericardium, and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene groups (p