Development of a socket-type rib coaptation device made of poly- L-lactide fibers: feasibility study in a canine model

Background: Costal coaptation pins made of poly-L-lactide (PLA) are clinically available for fixing surgically divided ribs. However, the clinical results of such rib fixation have not been completely satisfactory. We aimed to develop a new rib coaptation socket system and explore its clinical applicability. Methods: We surgically divided three consecutive ribs of each beagle dog, and rib coaptation sockets were implanted to stabilize each rib. Fifteen 3-dimensional (3D)-printed and 30 PLA fiber knitted sockets were implanted in five and ten dogs, respectively, to stabilize the artificially divided ribs. Mechanical analysis of the sockets and radiographical examination of costal fixation were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the newly developed socket system for rib stabilization. Results: All 15 ribs with 3D-printed sockets had displaced 1 month after the operation. Three ribs in one dog with implanted PLA fiber knitted sockets were displaced radiographically after 1 month, and the grade of displacement remained unchanged after 6 months. The remaining 27 ribs fixed with PLA fiber knitted sockets did not show any displacement. Conclusions: The PLA fiber knitted rib coaptation socket system was sufficiently durable for the stabilization of divided ribs with biocompatibility. This promising finding can be applied for clinical stabilization of divided ribs.