Mersilene (polyester), a new suture for penetrating keratoplasty

J A Ramselaar, W H Beekhuis, W J Rijneveld, M V van Andel, F Dijk, W L Jongebloed

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleProfessionalpeer-review

    Abstract

    Mersilene (polyester monofilament) seems to be suitable for penetrating keratoplasty because it is strong, shows no degradation by ultraviolet light, is insoluble, so that it can be left in situ, and offers the possibility of regulating postoperative astigmatism by suture adjustment. In 12 patients penetrating keratoplasty was performed with the combined interrupted/running suturing technique, using eight interrupted nylon 10-0 sutures and one running Mersilene 11-0 suture. The results were compared with those of 25 patients in whom eight interrupted nylon 10-0 sutures and one running nylon 11-0 suture were used. Six months after penetrating keratoplasty, no differences could be found between the two groups in keratometric astigmatism, visual acuity or slitlamp findings. In three patients postoperative adjustment of the running Mersilene suture reduced astigmatism by 50, 90 and 100% respectively. In an animal study the behaviour of Mersilene in the cornea was evaluated by slitlamp examination, histology and electron-microscopy. The tissue response to Mersilene was minimal. Considering the resemblance to nylon in clinical findings, minimal tissue response, lack of biodegradation and possibility of regulating postoperative astigmatism by suture adjustment, Mersilene seems to be a suitable material for penetrating keratoplasty.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)89-101
    Number of pages13
    JournalDocumenta ophthalmologica. Advances in ophthalmology
    Volume82
    Issue number1-2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1992

    Keywords

    • Animals
    • Astigmatism/prevention & control
    • Cataract Extraction
    • Cornea/ultrastructure
    • Humans
    • Keratoplasty, Penetrating/adverse effects
    • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
    • Nylons
    • Polyethylene Terephthalates
    • Rabbits
    • Suture Techniques
    • Sutures
    • Visual Acuity

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Mersilene (polyester), a new suture for penetrating keratoplasty'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this