Abstract:
Pain and slow recovery are complications frequently observed following surgery. Local anesthetics are effective in treating these complications and improve recovery. To prolong the effectiveness of administered local anesthetic we aim to develop an implantable system to release lidocaine over a period of one week. Lidocaine loaded poly(ethylene co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) implants were prepared by either melt extrusion or solvent casting and characterized. Melt extruded polymers showed slower release compared to solvent asted polymers. A reduction in the initial burst release was observed with altered implant geometry (lower surface area to volume ratio (SA: V)). The proposed implantable delivery system was able to sustain the release of lidocaine over one week. The release rate from the implant can be tailored by varying polymer geometry and preparation method.
