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Abstract #15565 Published in IGR 1-3
Evaluation of an aqueous drainage glaucoma device constructed of ePTFE
Boswell CA; Noecker RJ; Mac M; Snyder RW; Williams SKJournal of Biomecial Materials Research 1999; 48: 591-595
Aqueous drainage devices for the treatment of glaucoma are subject to the same limitations as most polymeric implants, namely a healing response comprised of chronic inflammation and fibrosis. The most widely used devices are currently made of silicone or polypropylene, materials that exhibit biocompatibility difficulties when they are implanted on the sclera underneath the conjunctiva of the eye. Decreased outflow of aqueous fluid to the conjunctival space caused by the development of a fibrous capsule around the device accounts for at least 20% of aqueous shunts failures. Clearly, the need exists to improve the healing response to aqueous drainage devices, and one approach is to develop new polymers or polymer modifications. Improved devices would elicit a limited fibrotic response while increasing neovascularization around the implant. Previous studies have indicated that denucleation markedly improves the healing characteristics and biocompatibility of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). The authors reasoned that altering the design of drainage devices to allow the use of denucleated ePTFE in vivo might minimize fibrosis, thereby improving shunt function. They found that, after eight weeks in vivo, experimental shunt function was equivalent to the Baerveldt shunt, while there was less scarring with increased neovascularization. These findings suggest that ePTFE has potential as an improved, long-term alternative material for use in constructing glaucoma shunts.
Dr. C.A. Boswell, Section of Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, P.O. Box 245084, Tucson, AZ 85724-5084; USA
Classification:
12.8.2 With tube implant or other drainage devices (Part of: 12 Surgical treatment > 12.8 Filtering surgery)
