Making a Painless Drain: Proof of Concept

The objective of this study was to develop a novel, cost-effective, easy-to-use, lidocaine-eluting coating to reduce pain associated with postoperative chest tubes. A lidocaine-eluting hydrogel was developed by dispersing lidocaine-loaded nanoparticles in an aqueous solution containing gelatin (5%). Glutaraldehyde (1%) was added to crosslink the gelatin into a hydrogel. The hydrogel was dehydrated, resulting in a thin, stable polymer.
Source: Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Tags: THORACIC – Original Submission Source Type: research