The Effects of Commodified Growth Factor Products on the Fibrovascularization of Porous Polyethylene Orbital Implants

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of commodified growth factor products used clinically on fibrovascular ingrowth into porous polyethylene orbital implants. METHODS: Porous polyethylene orbital implant sheets (Medpor(R)) soaked with Nepidermin (Easyef(R)), Trafermin (Fiblast(R)), and normal saline were implanted into the backs of 18 Sprague-Dawley rats. The degree of fibrovascular ingrowth as observed using a light microscope was compared 1 and 2 weeks after implantation and was calculated as a percentage of the fibrovascular ingrowth length. RESULTS: One week after implantation, the percentage of fibrovascular ingrowth length was 25.33 +/- 5.43%, 22.56 +/- 5.30%, and 21.78 +/- 4.66% in the Easyef(R)-, Fiblast(R)- and normal saline-soaked groups. The degree of fibrovascularization was higher in the Easyef(R)-soaked group than in the other groups (p = 0.020, 0.012). Two weeks after implantation, the degree of fibrovascularization was 98.33 +/- 5.00%, 100.00 +/- 0.00%, and 95.89 +/- 4.57%, which was significantly higher in the Easyef(R)-, and Fiblast(R)-soaked groups than in normal saline-soaked group (p = 0.019, <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Commodified growth factor products used in other areas selectively enhanced fibrovascular ingrowth to a greater degree and earlier in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery.