Reduced fibrous capsule elastic fibers from biologic ECM-enveloped CIEDs in minipigs, supported with a novel compression mechanics model.

Background: Fibrous capsules (Fb) in response to cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), including a pacemaker (P) system, can produce patient discomfort and difficulties in revision surgery due partially to their increased compressive strength, previously linked to elevated tissue fibers.

Objective: A preliminary study to quantify structural proteins, determine if biologic extracellular matrix-enveloped CIEDs (PECM) caused differential Fb properties, and to implement a realistic mechanical model.

Methods: Retrieved Fb (-P and -PECM) from minipigs were subjected to biomechanical (shear oscillation and uniaxial compression) and histological (collagen I and elastin) analyses.