Biocompatibility of an x-shaped zirconium implant in deep sclerectomy in rabbits.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid-term biocompatibility of a new x-shaped implant made of zirconium in an animal model of glaucoma surgery.


METHODS
Preoperatively, ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), intraocular pressure (IOP) and outflow facility (OF) data were acquired. Upon surgery, one eye was chosen randomly to receive an implant, while the other received none. Ten rabbits went through a 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 6-month follow-up. IOP was measured regularly, UBM performed at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. At the end of the follow-up, OF was again measured. Histology sections were analyzed.


RESULTS
For both groups IOP control was satisfactory, while OF initially increased at month 1 to resume preoperative values thereafter. Eyes with implants had larger filtration blebs which decreased faster than in eyes without the implant. Drainage vessel density, inflammatory cell number and fibrosis were higher in tissues near the implant.


CONCLUSIONS
The zirconium implant initially promoted the positive effects of the surgery (IOP control, OF increase). Nevertheless, after several months, foreign body reactions and fibrosis had occurred on some implants that restrained the early benefit of such a procedure. Modifications of the zirconium implant geometry could enhance the overall success rate.
Basso
Alessia
A
Glaucoma Unit, Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, University of Lausanne, Switzerland, Avenue de France 15, CH-1004 Lausanne, Switzerland.
Roy
Sylvain
S
Mermoud
André
A
D000818:Animals; D001082:Aqueous Humor / Q000378:metabolism; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D020327:Glaucoma Drainage Implants; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery*; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008422:Materials Testing; D033401:Microscopy, Acoustic; D023421:Models, Animal; D011817:Rabbits; D012590:Sclera / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery*; D012599:Sclerostomy / Q000379:methods*; D014065:Tonometry, Ocular; D015040:Zirconium
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D015040:Zirconium