We developed a new ex vivo model that applies constant tension to the porcine gastric specimen. This development made it possible to evaluate the performance (the height and duration of the submucosal elevation) of various SIMs accurately. The detailed setup methodology of this new model is explained.
Increasing the performance of submucosal injection materials (SIMs) is important for endoscopic therapy of early gastrointestinal cancer. It is essential to establish an ex vivo model that can evaluate SIM performance accurately, for developing high-performance SIMs. In our previous study, we developed a new ex vivo model that can be used to evaluate the performance of various SIMs in detail by applying constant tension to the specimen's ends. We also confirmed that the proposed new ex vivo model allows accurate submucosal elevation height (SEH) measurement under uniform conditions and detailed comparisons of the performances of various types of SIMs. Here, we describe the new ex vivo model and explain the detailed setup methodology of this model. Since all parts of the new model were easy to obtain, the setup of the new model could be completed quickly. SEH of various SIMs could be measured more accurately by using the new model. The critical factor that determines SIM performance can be identified using the new model. SIM development speed will drastically increase after the factor has been identified.
Both endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) are currently common treatments for early-stage gastrointestinal cancer1,2. Injecting a submucosal injection material (SIM) into the submucosa is one of the most important steps for both the EMR and ESD procedures2,3. High submucosal elevation and maintenance of submucosal elevation are critical criteria for safely conducting EMR/ESD.
Although normal saline (NS) has been used as a SIM since the invention of endoscopic therapy4,5, sodium hyaluronate (HA) was introduced as a treatment in recent years6,7. HA became widely used in endoscopic treatments as a superior SIM due to its high performance8,9,10,11. Currently, a performance comparison between the existing SIMs was conducted, and high-performance SIMs were developed to identify another superior SIM5,12,13,14,15,16,17,18.
The ex vivo model using a porcine stomach specimen has been used to evaluate SIM performance, because the estimation of SIM performance in the human gastrointestinal tract is very difficult19,20,21,22. However, this conventional ex vivo model is extremely simple, and has the scope for improvement. Reproducing an environment closer to the human gastrointestinal mucosa will enable accurate evaluation of SIM performance.
In our previous study, we developed a new ex vivo model that can be used to evaluate the performance of various SIMs in detail by applying constant tension to the specimen's ends. We also confirmed that the proposed new ex vivo model, allows accurate SHE measurement under uniform conditions and a detailed comparison of the performances of various types of SIMs23.
In this study, we present a complete appearance of the new ex vivo model, and the detailed setup methodology of the new ex vivo model is explained in detail using videos and figures. The new ex vivo model consists of parts that are easily available and can be quickly set up. Descriptions of detailed setup methodology will contribute to the dissemination of the new model.
The following protocol follows the animal care guidelines of the Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine.
1. Preparation of Specimens Using a Porcine Stomach
NOTE: The first step is to prepare specimens to be used in the ex vivo model (Figure 1). The thickness of the porcine gastric wall varies in different areas of the stomach. Use the upper third of the porcine stomach, which is relatively similar to the human stomach. Exclude inappropriate specimens where submucosal elevation is not found due to fibrosis.
2. Detailed Setup Methodology of a New Ex Vivo Model
NOTE: Stretch out the thawed specimen on a board in two different ways. In the conventional ex vivo model, fix the specimen with pins (Figure 1A)19,20,21,22. On the other hand, in the new ex vivo model, fix or stretch both ends of the specimen with clips to produce a constant tension (Figure 1B, C). All parts of the new model are easy to obtain, and the setup of the new model can be completed quickly (Figure 2). The procedure of the new model is as follows (Figure 3):
3. Evaluation of SIM Performance
NOTE: In this study, we used normal saline (NS) and 0.4% sodium hyaluronate (HA) as SIMs to be tested, and measure SEH of the two SIMs. Three independent measurements are performed. The obtained data are expressed as the mean and standard deviation (S.D.). Statistical analysis was performed by using the statistical analysis software (GraphPad Prism 7). We analyzed continuous variables (SEH) with the Student's t-test, and the magnitudes with P < 0.05 were considered significant. The measurement of SEH is as follows (Figure 5).
SEH was measured over time in the new ex vivo model or conventional ex vivo model. The values of SEH (NS) measured using the conventional model [NS was injected into the submucosa of the specimen fixed with pins (0.0 N)] were 5.7 mm (0 min), 3.6 mm (5 min), 3.0 mm (10 min), and 2.2 mm (30 min).In this way, the values of SEH decreased with increasing post injection time.A similar analysis was performed using 0.4% HA instead of NS. The values of SEH (0.4% HA) were 6.5 mm (0 min), 5.2 mm (5 min), 4.8 mm (10 min), and 4.1 mm (30 min).The resulting SEHs of 0.4% HA were higher than those of NS regardless of the post injection time.The SEHs (NS and 0.4% HA) obtained using the conventional model (in the absence of the applied tension) exhibited relatively large variations (in other words, their standard deviations were high) (Figure 6A).
Next, the values of SEH (NS) measured using the conventional model [NS was injected into the submucosa of the specimen stretched at a constant tension (1.5 N)] were 4.8 mm (0 min), 3.0 mm (5 min), 2.4 mm (10 min), and 1.8 mm (30 min). When the tension was increased to 3.0 N under the same conditions, the values of SEH (NS) were 4.5 mm (0 min), 2.3 mm (5 min), 1.5 mm (10 min), and 1.3 mm (30 min).The SEH measured at various post injection times decreased with increasing tension. The SEHs obtained using the new model exhibited small variations (in other words, their standard deviations were low) (Figure 6B, C).
For evaluating the relationship between SEH and tension applied to the specimen, we compared SEH measured at different tensions (0.0-3.0 N). In the analysis with the new model, the SEH obtained at a tension of 3.0 N was significantly lower than the SEH obtained at a tension of 1.5 N (in all cases, the condition P < 0.001 was satisfied). In contrast, since standard deviations of SEHs obtained using the conventional model (0.0 N) were high, there was no significant difference between SEHs obtained using the conventional model (0.0 N) and the new model (1.5 N) (Figure 6D, E).
Figure 1. New ex vivo model and conventional ex vivo model. In the conventional ex vivo model, the porcine specimen was fixed with pins (A). On the other hand, in the new ex vivo model, both ends of the specimen were stretched with clips to produce a constant tension (B). This model can be tensioned uniformly by using a weight, and the tension can be arranged by changing the weight (C). Each SIM was injected into the submucosa of the specimen, leading to submucosal elevation (D). This figure has been modified from Hirose et al.23. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 2. All parts used for the new model. The new ex vivo model consists of parts that are easily available. All parts used for the new ex vivo model: (a) approximately 50-300 g of weights (the weight can be changed appropriately depending on the applied tension); (b) fixed type pulley with pulley diameter of 25 mm; (c) stainless steel wire with a diameter of 0.45 mm; (d) stainless steel clip of width 147 mm; (e) stainless steel key wire with a length of 12 cm; (f) stainless steel S shaped hook; (g) lockable stainless steel S-shaped hook. (This figure has been modified from Hirose et al.23). Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 3. The detailed setup method of the new ex vivo model. The new ex vivo model can be quickly set up. (A) Connect the stainless steel clip (Figure 2d) and the key wire (Figure 2e) and the S shaped hook (Figure 2g). Next, connect the wire (Figure 2c), the S shaped hook (Figure 2f) and the weight (Figure 2a). (B) Finally, connect the hook (Figure 2g) to the other end of the wire (Figure 2c). A traction device is completed in the above process. (C) Fix the pulleys (Figure 2b) at both ends of the base [rectangular wooden base (45 x 60 cm) for assembling the model]. Next, place the rubber plate (6 x 6 cm) on the center of the base. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 4. The complete appearance of the new ex vivo model. Accurate measurement of SEH can be performed. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 5. The measurement procedure by using the new ex vivo model. To evaluate SIM performance, the magnitude of SEH was measured by a digital height gage (A). Using a 2.5-mL syringe with a 23-gauge needle, 2.0 mL of each SIM was injected into the submucosa from the specimen margins to create a submucosal elevation (B, C). The digital height gage was used to measure of the height of the submucosal elevation (i.e., the values of SEH) (D). Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 6. Measurement of SEH using either the new or conventional model. After the injection of NS or 0.4% HA into the submucosa of the specimen fixed with pins (0.0 N) (A) or stretched at a constant tension (1.5 N or 3.0 N) (B, C), SEH was measured using the height gage. Next, we compared the values of SEH measured at different tensions (0.0, 1.5, and 3.0 N) after the submucosal injection of NS (D) or 0.4% HA (E). Data are expressed as mean ± S.D. of more than three independent experiments. (This figure has been modified from Hirose et al.23) Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
The porcine stomach used for the new model should be stored in a freezer immediately after resection, and be used within a few months after freezing, since the freshness of the swine stomach is essential for SEH measurement. (We measured SEH using both frozen and unfrozen gastric specimens, and confirmed that there was no difference in the result of SEH measurement.)
The quality of gastric specimens is greatly influenced by the individual differences of porcine stomachs. Hence, it is recommended to exclude obviously thick specimens or specimens with many folds before measurement. Furthermore, some specimens may be inappropriate specimens for SEH measurement due to fibrosis. It is recommended to exclude the inappropriate specimens where submucosal elevation is not found due to fibrosis.
Since the digestive tract is expanded by endoscopic treatment, some tension is applied to the gastrointestinal mucosa. It was revealed that SIM performance (evaluated by measuring the values of SEH) decreased with increasing the values of tension applied to the specimens. Therefore, the tension was an important factor affecting the SIM performance (i.e., the values of SEH)23. The application of tension of 1.5-3.0 N can reproduce an environment closer to the human gastrointestinal mucosa. However, a limitation of this method is that the optimal tension may depend on the difference of the specimen used for analysis.
In the conventional model, since the tension applied to each specimen varies depending on the degree of specimen fixation, the variations of measured SEH are large (which correspond to the high standard deviations of SEH). Therefore, these high standard deviations make it difficult to compare each SEH in detail and perform statistical analysis. On the other hand, owing to small variations of SEH measured in the new model, SIM performance can be compared accurately ex vivo and precise statistical analysis is performed.
In conclusion, the new ex vivo model enables accurate SEH measurement and detailed comparison of SIM performance. Descriptions of detailed setup methodology will contribute to the dissemination of the new model and the development of high-performance materials.
The authors have nothing to disclose.
This work was supported by Kyoto Innovative Medical Technology Research & Development Support System, and by the Translational Research program; Strategic PRomotion for practical application of INnovative medical Technology (TR-SPRINT) from Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).
weight (153.1 g) | |||
fixed type pulley | H.H.H. MANUFACTURING | VS25 | |
stainless steel wire with a diameter of 0.45 mm | Nissa Chain | Cut wire Y-5 | |
stainless steel clip of width 147 mm | KOKUYO | none | |
stainless steel key wire with a length of 12 cm | Nissa Chain | P-702 | |
stainless steel S shaped hook | TRUSCO NAKAYAMA | TCS1.2 | |
lockable stainless steel S-shaped hook | Mizumoto Machine Mfg | B2054 | |
rectangular wooden base (45 x 60 cm) | none | none | |
rubber plate (5 x 5 cm) | none | none | |
digital height gage | Mitutoyo | HDS-20C | |
2.5-mL syringe | Terumo | SS-02SZ | |
23-gauge needle | Terumo | NN-2332R | |
MucoUp | Boston Scientific | none | 0.4% sodium hyaluronate (HA) |
saline (20 mL) | Otsuka Pharmaceutical | none | normal saline (NS) |
GraphPad Prism 7 software | GraphPad Inc | none |