Synthetic meshwork implant for glaucoma filtering surgery: effect of adjunct heparin and sodium hyaluronate in rabbits.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of a novel filtering implant, a synthetic meshwork (MESH), with or without heparin or sodium hyaluronate amendment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighteen eyes of 18 rabbits received MESH surgery. The eyes were divided into three subgroups. Six eyes received the MESH implant with no modification (group 1), 6 eyes received MESH saturated with heparin (group 2), and 6 eyes received MESH with sodium hyaluronate administration into the anterior chamber during surgery (group 3). Intraocular pressure (IOP) and outflow facility were measured during a period of 6 months.

RESULTS

The MESH-implanted eyes showed lower IOP and higher outflow facility than control eyes up to postoperative days 119 and 49, respectively (P > .05). Earliest functional failure was seen in group 3 and latest in group 2.

CONCLUSION

MESH implant surgery showed a long-term efficacy in reducing IOP. The beneficial effects of added heparin were limited. Sodium hyaluronate administration reduced the efficacy of the implant device.