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Investigation of a bioresorbable orbital implant
David R Jordan1, Seymour Brownstein, Steve Gilberg
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ottawa Eye Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. drjordan@magma.ca
Purpose:
To analyze a new bioresorbable orbital implant (open-celled polylactic acid, also known as OPLA).
Methods:
The implants were examined macroscopically, with chemical analysis (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), and microscopically with scanning electron microscopy. Animal implantation of OPLA implants was carried out in 9 adult male New Zealand albino rabbits. Implant vascularization was evaluated by histopathologic sectioning.
Results:
The OPLA implant is porous and lightweight but fragile. Histopathologically it stimulated primarily a multinucleated giant cell granulomatous reaction with little fibrovascular ingrowth seen at 4 and 8 weeks. By 20 and 24 weeks, the implant was replaced predominantly by necrotic debris and peripheral giant cells.
Conclusions:
The OPLA implant is not an acceptable alternative to other currently available orbital implants.