Neural and vascular tissue reaction to aneurysm-coating adhesive (ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate).

The effect of ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate (Aaron-2-Alpha) obtained from two different manufactures was evaluated in 37 cats divided into two groups. The first group (n = 28) received a 9-year-old preparation. The second group (n = 9) received recently acquired adhesive. Aaron-2-Alpha was applied to the left cruciate cortex and left femoral neurovascular bundle under barbiturate anesthesia. Normal saline was applied on the right side for control. Survival was allowed for 2, 4, 7, and 14 days after application of the adhesive. The 2-day survival was excluded in the second group. Neuropathological examination revealed meningeal necrosis, neuronal and axonal degeneration, vascular wall degeneration, thrombosis, and inflammatory reaction in both groups of cats. The compounds tested are far from satisfying the ideal requirements for their safe use. Chemical degradation may take place in the adhesives stored for prolonged periods of time. Adhesives obtained from two different sources may contain adjuvants of different toxicity. Severe local tissue reaction could produce marked neurological deficits when adhesives are applied in critical areas.