Anterior segment prosthesis development: evaluation of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene as a sclera-attached prosthetic material.
To further the development of a sclera-attached anterior segment prosthesis we investigated the biocompatibility of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene following its surgical implantation into the rabbit sclera. Thin sheets (250 microns) of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene were cut into pieces measuring either 2 x 2, 2 x 4, 2 x 8, or 4 x 8 mm. The pieces were sterilized and placed individually within surgically prepared pockets in the sclera of rabbit eyes. Animals were sacrificed for routine histopathologic evaluation and transmission electron microscopic study of the eyes at 7 days, 14 days, 1 month, and 4 months following surgical implantation. The implants demonstrated excellent compatibility with the sclera and, by 14 days following implantation surgery, exhibited histiocytes, fibroblasts, and blood vessels infiltrating the internodal spaces of the highly porous material. The number of cells and the amount of extracellular matrix material deposited in the implants appeared to increase with time. Transmission electron microscopic studies revealed deposition of collagen within the implants. Our results suggest that expanded polytetrafluoroethylene has potential for use in the development of a sclera-attached prosthetic device.
Guo
A
A
Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles CA 90033, USA.
Rife
L L
LL
Rao
N A
NA
Smith
R E
RE
D000818:Animals; D000869:Anterior Eye Segment; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011817:Rabbits; D012590:Sclera / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene