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Biomedical subjects

M A Fabrega

Publications and source records attributed to M A Fabrega.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

Interpositional polytetrafluoroethylene grafts. Conjunctival biocompatibility.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a synthetic, woven, nonabsorbable, nonantigenic, Teflon-related material that has been shown to be useful in correcting eyelid retraction and as an implant enveloping material in primary and secondary surgery to correct anophthalmos. Implanted PTFE will extrude if not entirely covered with a layer of conjunctival epithelium. In vitro studies demonstrated that coating PTFE with collagen, fibronectin, gelatin, or laminin promotes epithelial cell and fibroblast migration over and adherence to PTFE. In vivo studies showed that a coating of type 1 collagen is most successful in preventing graft extrusion by promoting conjunctival epithelial attachment and growth over exposed PTFE. Further studies are needed to determine the optimum PTFE coating and pore size needed to ensure the consistent retention of uncovered implanted PTFE grafts.

Animals↗

Polytetrafluoroethylene as an interpositional graft material for the correction of lower eyelid retraction.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a nonantigenic, autoclavable, inert, woven synthetic graft material was used to correct ten lower eyelids with retraction secondary to either thyroid disease (7 eyelids) or surgically repaired maxillofacial trauma (3 eyelids). The material was well tolerated for postoperative periods ranging from 10 to 26 months. In two eyelids, a portion of the PTFE was removed to treat eyelid thickening and an infected meibomian gland. Results of histopathologic examination of the graft showed minimal inflammation and capillary and connective ingrowth into the graft matrix as well as a dense fibrous capsule around the graft. In selected cases, PTFE may be an acceptable substitute for other graft materials used in oculoplastic surgery.

Adult↗