Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: The goal of this study is to repair linear corneal lacerations using an argon laser activated biopolymer as a sealant. We will then compare the strength of the sealant with conventional methods of repair using 10-0 nylon suture. Methods: Linear wounds were created using a 4.1 mm keratome on twelve fresh enucleated human eyes. The PEG-([G1]-PGLSA-MA)2 biodendrimer sealant was applied to the wound using two different techniques. The first was to apply it in a thin, uniform band along the incision site using a tuberculin syringe and a 25 gauge needle. The second technique was to apply the biodendrimer with a 2.75 mm keratome, using the flat edge, spreading it into a thin layer over the incision site. Then, an argon-ion laser was applied to the biodendrimer at an intensity of 200 mw for 30 seconds to initiate polymerization. Sutured (control) eyes were also prepared using the same method to create the initial wound, then the wound was closed with 3 interrupted 10-0 nylon sutures. Immediately after the eyes were sealed, the wound leak pressures were determined using a cardiac transducer connected to a 21 gauge needle inserted through the optic nerve to measure the pressure of the eye. BSS was injected into the eye via a 23 gauge butterfly needle attached to a syringe pump in order to deliver a constant pressure. The pressure readings at which wound leak occurred for each eye were recorded. Results: Wound leak occurred at an average pressure of 90 mmHg +/- 18 for the control eyes (N=6), 104 mmHg +/- 5 for the eyes using PEG-([G1]-PGLSA-MA)2 delivered via the tuberculin syringe (N=3) and 170 mmHg +/- 44 for the PEG-([G1]-PGLSA-MA)2 using the 2.75 mm keratome application method (N=3). Of note, the range for the leak pressures of the eyes sealed with the biodendrimer was 100 mmHg- 222 mmHg. Conclusion: Although this study is in the early stages, the results appear promising. The PEG-([G1]-PGLSA-MA)2 biodendrimer sealant is comparable to, and if applied correctly surpasses the strength of the sutured control in sealing linear corneal lacerations.