Histopathologic Comparison of Vascularization between Dacron and Donor Sclera as Wrapping Material in Hydroxyapatite Implantation

Recently, a hydroxyapatite sphere has been increasingly used as a buried integrated orbital implant for the great improved motility of the prosthesis after enucleation. To allow more rapid ascess of vasculature into the hydroxyapatite implant, Dacron as a new synthetic wrapping material of the implant for anophthalmic sockets had been used and compared histologically with donor sclera in rabbits. At 4 weeks after implantation, fibrovascular ingrowth was found mainly near the scleral windows, where fibrosis extended 2 mm centrally in scleral-wrapped implants. In Contrast, in Dacron-wrapped implants, there was extensive fibrovascular infiltration through Dacron filaments and windows as well, making the hydroxyapatite sphere completely invested with fibrovascular tissue to the center within 4 weeks of implantation. Thus, Dacron as a new wrapping material appears to allow a more rapid vascularization into the hydroxyapatite implant than other collagen material without any serious complications, resulting in early rehabilitation with an artificial eye.

Histopathologic study of Dacron Graft following Experimental Fun-thickness Scleral Resection in Rabbits

To evaluate the possibility of Dacron patch for artificial sclera. Dacron(polyethylene terephthalate) which is readily available, biocompatable, safe, and inert synthetic material was implanted in the area of full-thickness scleral defect in rabbits. The histopathologic examinations showed that fibrovascular tissue invested into all interstices of Dacron filaments and fibroconnective tissue encapsulation around Dacron patch had strong connection with collagen fibers of recipient sclera at 4 weeks after graft There were no adverse reactions such as retinal detachment and fibrous proliferation into the vitreous cavity except mild inflammatory response of surrounding tissue at the early postoperative stage. As a result, Dacron graft showed successful firm adhesion to the recipient sclera without serious complications. Thus, We think that Dacron could possibly be used, instead of donor sclera, as artificial scleral graft material for the surgical treatment of perforating scleral diseases.