ABSTRACT
The fibrin-based composite tissue adhesive (CTA) composition is formulated by adding fibrillar type I collagen to fibrinogen-Factor XIII solutions to alter mechanical properties. This material could be used in place of fibrin sealants (FS) or where FS is contraindicated because of inadequate mechanical performance. With these performance shortcomings in mind, coupled with the lack of a commercially available high-performance FS in the United States, a fibrin-collagen composite adhesive has been developed to overcome some of the physical limitations and consistency problems associated with the patient autologous and single-donor source FS products. The fibrinogen preparations with increasing fibrinogen concentration demonstrated an increase in viscosity and shear stress. The fibrillar collagen had a much higher viscosity and shear stress than the FS preparations. The CTA formulation incorporating plasma has an even higher viscosity than the collagen cryoprecipitate or concentrate version.
