Abstract
Purpose :
To compare the efficacy of a novel laser activated, thin-film chitosan adhesive technology for sealing penetrating corneal incisions against self-sealed or sutured incisions in an in vivo rabbit model.
Methods :
Central penetrating corneal incisions of 2mm were created on the right eyes of 135 albino rabbits. These incisions were closed using either the adhesive technology, 10-0 nylon sutures or left to self-seal (n=45 per group). Wound integrity was quantified by measuring the highest fluid pressure prior to wound leak (burst pressure). At timepoints of up to 14 days post-operatively, 5 rabbits from each group were euthanized and their corneoscleral rim dissected for the burst pressure testing using a modified Barron chamber. Statistical significance was determined at p<0.05.
Results :
Average burst pressure from corneal incisions sealed using the chitosan technology were persistently higher than both the suture and self-sealed groups from timepoints 0 to 72 hours (p<0.05). At 3 hours post-operatively, the average burst pressures (± standard deviation) were 169.3 (±100.1), 10.6 (±6.8) and 5.3 (±3.8) mmHg, respectively, p=0.0023. At 24 hours, burst pressures were 233.8 (±83.2), 6.4 (±2.9), 45.2 (±16.6) mmHg, respectively, p=0.000019. Burst pressures 72 hours post-operatively were 229 (±120.1), 12.4 (±6.6), 36.4 (±21.6) mmHg, respectively, p=0.000696. After 7 days, burst pressures between all groups no longer showed any statistical difference. The chitosan group recorded an average burst pressure of 307.0 (±106.0) and 360.0 (±0.0) mmHg on day 7 and day 14 respectively.
Conclusions :
Chitosan adhesive technology can seal full thickness corneal incisions in a living rabbit model, tolerating high burst pressures and accelerating healing.
This is a 2021 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.