Open AccessThe effect of heparin‐surface‐modification on scar‐tissue formation around a subconjunctival polymethylmethacrylate implant in the rabbit
Author(s) -
Kivalo Matti
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1600-0420
pISSN - 1395-3907
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0420.1997.tb00122.x
Subject(s) - medicine , rabbit (cipher) , implant , heparin , surface modification , scar tissue , ophthalmology , biomedical engineering , surgery , statistics , mathematics , chemical engineering , engineering
Purpose : Excessive scar tissue formation around ocular drainage implants is a common cause for implant failure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of heparin‐surface‐modification of a subconjunctival polymethylmethacrylate implant on scar‐tissue formation in the rabbit eye. Methods : Plain and heparin‐surface‐modified polymethylmethacrylate implants were implanted subconjunctivally in the eyes of 13 rabbits in two groups consisting of 8 and 5 animals. In the latter group the implants were in contact with aqueous humour through a fistula into the anterior chamber. Results : Both unmodified and heparin‐surface‐modified polymethylmethacrylate implants were well tolerated. In histological sections studied by both light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, heparin‐surface‐modification of polymethylmethacrylate implants seemed to diminish the formation of scar tissue around the subconjunctival implants. Conclusion : Heparin‐surface‐modification of polymethylmethacrylate implants could provide one way to affect the formation of excessive fibrous tissue around ocular drainage implants.