type of patch?

Question

Does anyone have an opinion about the different types of dural patches? My last surgeon used bovine (matrix) and my new NS wants to use my own muscle tissue for a potential next surgery. I've heard that synthetic patches are difficult to sew and end up leaking more because of it. Any thoughts are appreciated!
Claire

Joalexa · Answer

Thanks for the info!  Mad Cow Disease...yikes!  Please let me know what Red Cross says...daughter is also O and said she'd like to donate too (but needs to meet weight requirements) :)

linnielou232 · Answer

I was telling him yesterday of this finding and he said he has never heard of his.  They test the durapatch very well before putting it in and he stated if I had mad cow diease it would of showed up by now.  I'm still going to address this to the red cross because I would be awfully disappointed if I can no longer donate.  They will be calling me because they love my blood I'm O- so everyone wants it.  I'll let all of you know, but for now I feel comfortable in giving it.  One more until my 7th gallon I at least want to accomplish this, but without hurting someone.  I will make sure before going ahead and donating.  I just always tease the Red Cross when they say they are low on blood.  I tell them "hope you save one pint for me just in case I ever need it.  I can't have any other than O- and I know it is hard to come by. LOL..... 
Linda :)

Joalexa · Answer

Would love to know what your NS said about donating blood!

Viva001 · Answer

Yes, very interesting...

selmaS · Answer

Wow, this is very interesting....I also wonder if it could also affect neone with a allergy to beef???? Getting blood from someone with this patch.....hmmm

czpdx · Answer

I tried to donate blood through the Red Cross a couple of months ago and was rejected due to the bovine patch and risk of creutzfeldt jakob disease. You'd think they'd have made sure that the cow did not have mad cow disease before harvesting the tissue, wouldn't you? Red Cross said that I can never donate blood again.

actressmouse · Answer

I just had PFD and fusion c1,c2 on 6/20 and my doc didn't use any patch at all.  He told me the opening wasn't that large and that there would be no need for one....and not having one means no leak, no rejection.  I am 5 weeks post-op and doing pretty well....some "bumps" along the way in regard to pain, but, nevertheless, pretty good overall.

Viva001 · Answer

I had a bovine patch and so far so good, but I'm just 6 wk post op.  funny thing is, I haven't had any beef since.
Good luck, Claire.

Linda, I'm going to ask my NS about donating blood (and organs).  Ive never donated blood (used to be too skinny too), then the Red Cross wont accept it w/a chronic fatigue Dx, & donating organs isn't recommended.  I had to change my license.
But now I wonder about this Dx.

Sexybare · Answer

I have always wante to give blood, in hopes of helping maybe one person. But I've never weighed enough to do it. Lol. Thought it was silly, so wanted to share it.

linnielou232 · Answer

I'm in the process of reading a book called Conquer Chairi, and it stated in there that if you have a bovine patch put in we no longer can donate blood.  My next donation will be my 7th gallon, but now I'm going to wait to ask the NS about this.  Has anyone else out there hear of this before.  I really want to donate because it is still one thing I thought I could still do to help others.  I'll let you all know on Thurs to see what the NS has to say about this.  I would be so disappointed if I couldn't give that last pint to complete 7 gallons.  Thurs will let e know either way.  
Linda :)

selmaS · Answer

Hi...from what I have picked up and seen regarding patches....more seem to have issues with the synthetic ones, as they can fail, and those that do, the patient may have Ehlers-Danlos....those with it r prone to reject foreign matter...so the patch can break down and leak...and infection can set in.

 I had the pericardium from my scalp used....and I did not have an issue with my patch.

 I would suggest it as it is already a part of u, and less likely to cause an issue...JMHO.

 Diff types of patches used r pericardium, bovine, cadaver, and synthetic. 

 I am not sure y some Drs use the muscle from the thigh as opposed to using the pericardium....

zygy2 · Answer

Hello-  I started with a bovine patch and it did not work for me.  I had both a leak and it stuck to my cerebellum which caused real problems about a year later when they tried to fix the leak.  I ended up with a third emergency surgery where they found that the patch was stuck to the cerebellum and they harvested my tissue from higher up on the scalp like sexybare.  This was what I tried to get my first NS to do but not all surgeons are comfortable doing this.  Sadly I still have a leak so even using my own tissue is not working yet.  I may be having head surgery four to fix the leak in the fall but they put in a shunt to try and get it to close without that surgery.  The shunt is a whole different set of issues for me.  I wish I had started with a patch of my own tissue but I can't say for sure that it would have been lots better, what I can say is that having it stuck to the cerebellum was spooky with some serious issues that could have had real long term damage so I am lucky that I am doing better now.  You want the best NS that really listens to your concerns.  I don't know anything about using the thigh muscle but didn't think using the tissue from up on my head was too bad.  Good luck with your pseudo, I have been dealing with mine for over two years.  Very frustrating and sometimes it is very hard to know what the right thing to do is.  -zygy

czpdx · Answer

Our situations seem somewhat similar. I didn't have my dura opened until my second surgery either -- just the laminectomy and enlarging the foramen magnum. I did have a duraplasty done the second time (2 years ago). My new NS wants to redo the patch using tissue from my thigh muscle, which seems good as far as rejection, etc., but unpleasant practically-speaking.

czpdx · Answer

Yes, I did/do have a leak and now am dealing with a pseudomeningocele. I didn't know about the leak until recently even though my last surgery was nearly a year ago.

Sexybare · Answer

I am goin for my second surgery aug 20th. My first ns wasn't a true specialist and only did crainiotomy and laminectomy. I will have my dura opened this surgery along with plate inserted and muscle repair. My ns is a true chiari specialist and only uses the own tissue for the patch. Its a piece of tissue/muscle from different area on my head between my skull and scalp. Hope that helps a little!!

Mazie1209 · Answer

I havent had surgery yet, but I know the NS i have seen use my own tissue from my  scalp or dura, less risk of rejection I am told, they didnt mention difference in leak probability though. Id prefer my own tissue, as my body seems to dislike anything different, meds, etc!
This is a great forum, and you will get lots of answers! :)
Mazie

auntij2746 · Answer

Claire    Welcome if you are new.  I am fairly new.  Thank you for asking this question - I am also wondering.  Did you have any leaking with your first surgery?    I have not yet had the surgery.  I have seen 3 NS and 2 use the bovine and one uses the synthetic.  they each told me that they use the one they have the least amount of leaking with.  I have seen on the postings that if you have another condition such as EhrlosD that it is essential to have your own tissue because bovine or synthetic will cause a more difficult recovery.  Regardless, this forum is where you will find the most helpful answers to your questions, because everyone here has experiece that you will find no where else.  I wish you all the best!   June