Novel tissue adhesives to secure laser in situ keratomileusis flaps.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate 2 novel biodendrimer tissue adhesives in sealing and securing laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flaps.


METHODS
Duke University Eye Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.


METHODS
Laser in situ keratomileusis flaps were created in 10 human eye-bank eyes using the Hansatome microkeratome system (Bausch & Lomb). These eyes were divided into 2 groups. Flaps in the first group (n=4) were secured with a laser-activated biodendrimer adhesive along the flap edge. In the second group (n=6), the flaps were secured with a self-gelling dendritic adhesive. Dry Merocel sponges (Medtronic Solan) were used to test the strength of flap adherence in both groups. Further testing was performed in the second group. The hinges of these flaps were cut with a scalpel blade and fluorescein dye was injected under the flap to observe potential dye leakage along the flap edge.


RESULTS
Laser in situ keratomileusis flaps sealed with both adhesives were secure with no flap dislocation. There was no leakage of fluorescein dye observed in the second group. Both adhesives were easy to apply, clear when dry, and had a soft rubbery consistency.


CONCLUSIONS
Two novel biodendrimer adhesives successfully sealed and secured LASIK flaps. These adhesives may prove to be an effective alternative for treating LASIK flap complications such as epithelial ingrowth or flap dislocation.
Kang
Paul C
PC
Duke University Eye Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
Carnahan
Michael A
MA
Wathier
Michel
M
Grinstaff
Mark W
MW
Kim
Terry
T
D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000187:drug effects*; D050091:Dendrimers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000517:prevention & control; D014014:Tissue Adhesives / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects
D050091:Dendrimers; D014014:Tissue Adhesives