May 2004
Volume 45, Issue 13
Free
ARVO Annual Meeting Abstract  |   May 2004
Ocular Biocompatibility of QuatromerTM (polystyrene–polyisobutylene triblock polymers) for Glaucoma Implants
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • A.C. Acosta
    Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, FL
  • V. Fernandez
    Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, FL
  • P.D. Lamar
    Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, FL
    Dept of Ophthalmology, Rudolph Foundation Hospital and Ludwing Boltzmann Institute for Retinology and Biomicroscopic Laser Surgery, Vienna, Austria
  • M. Orozco
    Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, FL
    Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, College of Engineering, Miami, FL
  • S. Dubovy
    Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, FL
  • J. Stoiber
    Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, FL
    Ophthalmology, Paracelsus Private Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
  • L. Pinchuk
    InnFocus LLC, Miami, FL
  • F. Fantes
    Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, FL
  • J.–M. Parel
    Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, FL
    CHU Department of Ophthalmology, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
  • Footnotes
    Commercial Relationships  A.C. Acosta, None; V. Fernandez, None; P.D. Lamar, None; M. Orozco, None; S. Dubovy, None; J. Stoiber, None; L. Pinchuk, InnFocus I, E, P; F. Fantes, None; J. Parel, None.
  • Footnotes
    Support  Innovia LLD, Florida Lions Eye Bank; Henri and Flore Lesieur Foundation; Research to Prevent Blindne
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science May 2004, Vol.45, 2929. doi:
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      A.C. Acosta, V. Fernandez, P.D. Lamar, M. Orozco, S. Dubovy, J. Stoiber, L. Pinchuk, F. Fantes, J.–M. Parel; Ocular Biocompatibility of QuatromerTM (polystyrene–polyisobutylene triblock polymers) for Glaucoma Implants . Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2004;45(13):2929.

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      © ARVO (1962-2015); The Authors (2016-present)

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Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To study the ocular biocompatibility of 3 new, transparent, highly refractive polymers comprised of the triblock polymer polystyrene–polyisobutylene–polystyrene, herein called QuatromerTM. Methods: Sterile, 3mm diameter, 300µm thick, QuatromerTM disks of different mole percentage of styrene (9.8%, 21.5% and 23.4% respectively) were implanted in NZW rabbits (an accepted model for FDA biocompatibility studies). QuatromerTM devices were implanted in corneal stroma and subtenon regions of NZW rabbits using conventional surgical techniques under aseptic conditions with proper anesthesia. Six rabbits divided in 3 groups (2 rabbits for each of the new polymer) received one QuatromerTM implant in the corneal stroma and one in the sub–tenon region (temporal). A control PDMS implant of the same size was also implanted in the subtenon region (nasal) in each rabbit. The animals were euthanized between 60 and 84 days after surgery. Biocompatibility was evaluated clinically by the degree of inflammation, vascularization. The capsular tissue surrounding the implant was studied histopathologically. The intensity of fibrosis, cell infiltration, vascularity and presence of giant cells were recorded. After euthanasia, the tissues were sectioned in half and photographed under the operation microscope at 20x. One half of each implant was studied by digital photography, shadow photography, and scanning electron microscopy and compared with virgin discs of the same polymer. The tissues containing the other half of the implant were processed for light microscopy. Results: All rabbit ocular structures remained within normal limits. The PDMS control implants elicited neovascularization and a fibrotic capsule. For the QuatromerTM there was minimum inflammation without visible cellular infiltration or implant migration, and no infection or toxic reaction. No macroscopic neovascularization or fibrosis was detected around the QuatromerTM implants. Conclusions: QuatromerTM implants are biocompatible and could be used for glaucoma implants.

Keywords: wound healing • anterior segment • cornea: stroma and keratocytes 
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