Air leakage from the lungs is common after lung surgery. Bob Hermans, currently working at Radboudumc is earning his PhD for research on a new tissue patch, which has shown promising results in an animal model.

Every year, more than two million people worldwide develop lung cancer. It is estimated that a quarter of them undergo surgery, and about 50,000 develop what is known as prolonged air leakage. “After lung surgery, many patients will have some degree of air leakage from the lung,” says Bob Hermans,  who is currently working as a physician at the department of cardio-thoracic surgery at Radboudumc. “In many cases the lung heals within a few days, but if it doesn’t cease to exist, it is called prolonged air leakage.  In turn, this leads to a longer duration of hospital stay, more complications, a higher mortality, and higher costs.”

Closing leaks in the lung

A wound in the lungs – after an operation or accident – can be stitched, stapled or glued with a spray or an adhesive plaster. The choice often depends on the nature of the wound. Hermans: “Lung tissue is very delicate and sutures can really only be applied in the somewhat firmer enveloping membrane of the lung, with a risk of tearing. Other techniques also have their own set of drawbacks. For example, adhesive plasters often detach due to the normal lung movements after surgery. We studied how a new adhesive plaster, a patch, performs in that regard. We looked at whether it sticks well, seals the wound effectively, is safe to use and is biodegradable.”

Existing patch, new application?

This patch is an existing product, developed by the Nijmegen-based company GATT Technologies and which was marketed by the company Ethicon at the end of 2023. This not as a patch to seal air leaks, but as a thin sponge to quickly and effectively stop bleeding (hemostasis). Hermans: “So we tested the same material for a new application, that is sealing air leaks. In our research in an animal model the first results are positive. The patch has good adhesive strength and attaches well compared to other adhesive plasters. In addition, the material does not cause excessive inflammatory reactions, it allows for normal wound healing and appears to be completely resolved after six weeks.”

Diseased lung tissue

These initial results make the patch interesting for further research. Important issues that Hermans says still need to be examined are its effectiveness and safety in the long(er) term. “Especially in patients in whom lung function is diminished due to COPD or another lung disease, for example. Air leakage from the lungs is especially common in this patient group, whilst I conducted my research exclusively on healthy lung tissue.”

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Thesis defense is on Dec. 17, 2024. Title of his thesis: Exploring a novel lung sealant based on functionalized polyoxazolines. Do you want to know more about these subjects of Radboudumc? Click here for more news.