Sutureless fixation of amniotic membrane patch as a therapeutic contact lens by using a polymethyl methacrylate ring and fibrin sealant in a rabbit model.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To introduce and evaluate a sutureless technique by using a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) ring and fibrin sealant to fix an amniotic membrane (AM) patch on the ocular surface as a therapeutic contact lens in a rabbit model.

METHODS:

PMMA rings were fabricated by duplicating an impression of a rabbit conjunctival fornix. The central cornea of the left eye in 16 rabbits was deepithelialized (diameter = 10 mm). A human AM patch was fixed to the ocular surface by using either a PMMA ring and fibrin sealant or interrupted 10-0 nylon sutures. The fibrin sealant was used to create the PMMA ring-AM complex but not to attach the AM/PMMA ring to the ocular surface. The rabbits were followed up with slit-lamp examination and fluorescein staining for 7 days. Reepithelialization and complications were recorded.

RESULTS:

The corneal epithelial defect was recovered in each rabbit of both groups after 5 days. In the sutureless group, all membranes remained in place and intact during the follow-up period. One eye was noted to have a partial conjunctival epithelial defect caused by exposure to the PMMA ring. In contrast, >50% of rabbits in the interrupted suture group exhibited complications including conjunctival edema, suture loosening, patch detachment, bleeding, and conjunctival epithelial defects.

CONCLUSIONS:

The sutureless technique that uses a PMMA ring and fibrin sealant for AM patch placement has a lower incidence of complications than the interrupted suture method. This sutureless technique may promote increased clinical use of AM patch by alleviating patients' pain and shortening surgical time.

• Authors: Bing-Qian Liu, Zhi-Chong Wang, Li-Min Liu, Jing-Bo Liu, Nai-Yang Li, Li-Na Wang, Ping Ma, Ru-Zhang Jiang, Jian Ge
• Journal: Cornea (Cornea) Vol. 27 Issue 1 Pg. 74-9 (Jan 2008) ISSN: 0277-3740 [Print] United States
• PMID: 18245971 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Fibrin Tissue Adhesive
• Tissue Adhesives
• Polymethyl Methacrylate

Topics

• Amnion (transplantation)
• Animals
• Contact Lenses
• Epithelium, Corneal (physiology)
• Fibrin Tissue Adhesive (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Models, Animal
• Polymethyl Methacrylate
• Prostheses and Implants
• Prosthesis Implantation
• Rabbits
• Regeneration
• Suture Techniques
• Tissue Adhesives (administration & dosage)
• Wound Healing