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Evisceration With Injectable Hydrogel Implant in a Rabbit Model
Irina V Koreen1, Elysa A McClintic, Ryan T Mott
1*Department of Ophthalmology and †Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S.A.
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|March 26, 2016
Summary
Injectable polyacrylamide hydrogel demonstrated safety and durability as an orbital implant in rabbits. This biocompatible material maintained globe volume and showed signs of biointegration over one year.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Orbital implants are crucial for maintaining ocular volume and aesthetics after evisceration.
- Current solid implants have limitations, necessitating exploration of alternative materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety, durability, and biocompatibility of 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel as an injectable orbital implant in a rabbit model following evisceration.
Main Methods:
- New Zealand rabbits underwent cornea-sparing evisceration and received 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel injection.
- Histopathological analysis assessed inflammatory reaction and vascularization at various time points up to 1 year.
- Implant volume and globe diameter were measured to assess maintenance of orbital volume.
Main Results:
- The hydrogel implant was well tolerated, with a transient giant cell reaction that resolved over time.
- Extensive vascularization of the implant was observed, indicating potential biointegration.
- Excellent and sustained maintenance of globe volume was achieved, with diameters comparable to controls up to 1 year.
Conclusions:
- Injectable 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel shows promise as a safe and effective alternative to traditional solid orbital implants.
- The material demonstrated good biocompatibility and maintained orbital volume throughout the 1-year study period.
- Further research may establish this hydrogel as a viable option for orbital reconstruction.