Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
The Polyvinyl Alcohol Sponge Model Implantation
Published on: April 18, 2012
[Integration of orbitary polyethilene implants (MEDPOR). Histologic study]
A Núñez Sánchez1, J A Reche Sainz, A Sanz López
1Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, España.
Purpose:
We study the histological integration of high-density porous polyethylene orbital implants and its clinical meaning.
Methods:
During the last 16 months we have used 14 implants of MEDPOR. Two were removed because of migration, the first one and partial extrusion, the second one, after 3 and 9 months since implantation, respectively. They were preserved and softened in formaldehyde for one month, and later processed for histological study.
Results:
Macroscopically, a fibrous pseudocapsule firmly attached to the implant was seen. A fibrovascular tissue ingrowth covered the polyethylene porous surface and penetrated its total cross-sectional area. Occasional inflammatory cells were present. There was no evidence of macrophagical activity.
Conclusions:
We demonstrate a good fibrovascular integration of the implant at the time of extraction. This means that this material can be successfully used in anophthalmic socket surgery. However, new pathological and clinical studies are necessary to elucidate their biocompatibility in long follow-up time.
