Feasibility of a polyethylene glycol-derived polymer as retinal patch to seal retinal breaks during vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: a prospective, in vivo pilot study in a porcine model.

Abstract

This is a pilot study to test a polyethylene glycol-derived polymer used as a retinal patch to seal retinal breaks during pars plana vitrectomy in the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in a porcine model. Sixteen eyes from eight pigs were assigned to two study groups (12 eyes) and one control group (four eyes). In all study groups, the polymer was used in vivo, during pars plana vitrectomy, to seal the break of a surgically induced rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Eyes in study groups were filled with balanced saline solution at the end of the surgery. In the control group, the polymer was not used and the eyes underwent standard rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair with pars plana vitrectomy. All eyes underwent fundus examination at day 3, week 1 and week 2 after surgery. All eyes from all groups were enucleated and processed for qualitative histological evaluation. Intraoperatively, the polymer showed good adherence and compliance to the retina. At week 1, retina was attached in all cases. The polymer was visible with indirect ophthalmoscopy up to week 1. At week 2, the polymer was no longer visible. Histologically, a mild histiocytic reaction was noticed in the retinas of four out of 12 study eyes (33.3%). In the control eyes, non-specific inflammatory signs of retinal inflammation were reported in two out of four eyes (50%). This study provides initial data to support the use of this polymer as a promising alternative to standard endo-tamponade agents. Its safety and biocompatibility need to be further assessed.