[Clinical experience in using a metallic suture in eye microsurgery].

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomaterials Science
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Metallic sutures have been explored for ophthalmic procedures.
• Evaluating novel biomaterials in microsurgery is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
• Vanadic stainless steel offers unique properties for surgical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety and efficacy of a novel vanadic stainless steel metallic suture in various ophthalmic microsurgeries.
• To document the incidence of complications and tissue response to the metallic suture.
• To evaluate the impact of the metallic suture on postoperative astigmatism and visual acuity.

Main Methods:

• A metallic suture made from 0.05-0.05 mm vanadic stainless steel wire was used in 1202 ophthalmic procedures.
• Procedures included cataract extractions, penetrating injuries, antiglaucomatous surgeries, and pterygium removal.
• Patient outcomes were monitored for 3 months to 3 years, assessing complications, astigmatism, and visual acuity.

Main Results:

• No intraoperative complications were observed during suture placement.
• Minor postoperative complications included transient corneal bullae (0.58%) and suture end irritation (2.58%).
• Mean postoperative astigmatism at 3 months was 1.65 diopters; 78.20% of patients achieved visual acuity of 0.5 or higher within one month.
• Suture removal was performed in 10.98% of cases, primarily for astigmatism correction.

Conclusions:

• The vanadic stainless steel metallic suture is well-tolerated in ophthalmic microsurgery, showing minimal tissue reactivity and no rejection.
• The suture is easily manufactured, sterilized, and biologically inactive, making it a convenient and efficient surgical tool.
• This metallic suture demonstrates potential for improving patient outcomes in various ophthalmic procedures, with a favorable safety profile.