Experimental protocol for evaluation of biomaterials in an in-vivo silicone implant coverage

ABSTRACT Purpose: To describe an experimental surgical model in rats using a dual-plane technique for evaluation of biomaterials in an in-vivo silicone implant coverage. Methods: This study was developed following the ISO 10993-6 standard. In this study, 40 male Wistar rats weighing between 250 and 350 g were used, distributed into two groups: experimental, biomaterial superimposed on the minimammary prosthesis (MP); and control, MP without implantation of the biomaterial, with eight animals at each biological point: 1, 2, 4, 12, and 26 weeks. Thus, at the end of biological points (1, 2, 4, 12, and 26 weeks; n = 8 animals per week), the tissue specimens achieved were fixed in buffered formalin and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Results: Macroscopically, throughout the study, no postoperative complications were apparent. In the histological analysis, it was possible to observe the evolution of the inflammatory response, tissue repair, and fibrous capsule during the biological points. Conclusions: The experimental model described in this study proved to be suitable for evaluating the biomaterial used in the coverage of breast silicone implants.