[Histologic evaluation in rabbits of the biocompatibility of episcleral implant material: S-PTFEe (silicone core covered with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene)].
OBJECTIVE
To study the tolerance of a silicone band wrapped with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) in "fauve de Bourgogne" rabbits.


METHODS
A 5.7mmx3.2mm band of S-PTFE (silicone-polytetrafluoroethylene, France Chirurgie Instruments) was used. A tight seal was produced between the two materials by silicone gluing. Eight eyes were implanted episclerally and fixed with Mersilene 5-0. One silicone band was used on a control eye.


RESULTS
Three eyes were removed at 4 weeks, one at 8 weeks and four at 12 weeks. No extrusion was observed except for the silicone band rejected 2 weeks after implantation. On histopathologic examination, PTFE colonisation was present in all eyes with fibroblast, inflammatory cells, and neovascularization.


CONCLUSIONS
The S-PTFE implant was colonized and well tolerated in rabbit eyes. Advantages of silicone band (quality, stability of indentation) are combined to the tolerance of PTFE.
Mortemousque
B
B
Département d'Ophtalmologie, Centre Jean Abadie, Bordeaux, France.
Diemer
C
C
Léger
F
F
Barac'h
D
D
Legeais
J M
JM
Williamson
W
W
D000818:Animals; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000502:physiology; D007249:Inflammation; D008422:Materials Testing; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011817:Rabbits; D012590:Sclera / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D012828:Silicones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors
D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D012828:Silicones; C025539:Lavsan; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene