Application of PLGA/type I collagen/chitosan artificial composite dura mater in the treatment of dural injury.

To improve the safety of dura repair in neurological surgeries, a new poly (glycolide-co-lactide)/type I collagen/chitosan artificial composite dura mater was evaluated in a rabbit model with dura mater injury. Eighteen rabbits were randomized to 3 groups: rabbits with unclosed dura mater; rabbits with dura mater repaired by fascia and rabbits with dura mater repaired by the composite membrane. Modified combine behavior score were given at a series of time points and several cytokines were also determined to reflect the inflammatory conditions. Rabbits whose dura mater was repaired by composite membrane showed a similar recovery rate of neurological function and inflammatory condition compared with the rabbits whose dura mater was repaired by fascia. In addition, the rabbits with closed dura mater were better than ones with unclosed dura mater in the restore rate of neurological function as well as inflammatory reactions according to the statistical analysis. The new artificial membrane appears to be safe and efficient in the treatment of dura mater defect.