Surgical application of fascia lata as a pericardial substitute in rabbits

Abstract

PURPOSE:To use fascia lata instead of pericardium and observe the presence of adhesions. METHODS:Twenty rabbits were divided into two group of ten. In group A, a 1×1 cm segment of pericardium was excised and resutured. In group B excised pericardium was substituted for autologous fascia lata. RESULTS:In the comparison of microscopic adhesion rate between two groups A, B after eight weeks, there was no significant statistical difference. CONCLUSION:Fascia lata is safe and it can be substituted for pericardium especially in repeat sternotomy in repairing congenital heart defects to avoid heart injury.