Long-term safety of intraluminal spring-mediated bowel lengthening

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to examine the long-term safety of an endoluminal bowel length-ening device prior to its use in the first human trial. In addition, device performance and natural passage will be evaluated.Methods: Endoluminal lengthening springs were surgically placed into the jejunum of Yucatan minipigs using the Eclipse XL1 device. A matching internal control segment of jejunum was marked at the time of operation. Weekly weights and fluoroscopic studies were obtained to evaluate spring deployment and position until devices passed. Animals were euthanized at 28, 60, 90, and 180 days. At necropsy, length measurements were recorded, and histopathologic analysis was performed.Results: There were no bowel obstructions or overt perforations attributable to the device. All surviving animals gained weight and were clinically thriving. All devices passed out of the rectum by 180 days. Bowel lengthening was seen in all experimental segments, and minimal fibrosis was observed by 180 days.Conclusion: Jejunal lengthening persisted after device had passed through the intestinal tract after 180 days. Early histopathologic changes of the jejunum during distraction enterogenesis normalized over time. (c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term safety of an endoluminal bowel lengthening device and assess its performance. Endoluminal lengthening springs were placed in the jejunum of Yucatan minipigs using a specific device. Weekly monitoring and histopathologic analysis were performed to assess the device's effects. The study demonstrated that the device was safe, effective in lengthening the bowel, and did not cause significant complications.