MERSILENE (POLYESTER), A NEW SUTURE FOR PENETRATING KERATOPLASTY

Mersilene (polyester monofilament) seems to be suitable for penetratin g keratoplasty because it is strong, shows no degradation by ultraviol et light, is insoluble, so that it can be left in situ, and offers the possibility of regulating postoperative astigmatism by suture adjustm ent. In 12 patients penetrating keratoplasty was performed with the co mbined 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 nyl on 10-0 sutures and one running nylon 11-0 suture were used. Six month s after penetrating keratoplasty, no differences could be found betwee n the two groups in keratometric astigmatism, visual acuity or slitlam p 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 evalua ted by slitlamp examination, histology and electron-microscopy. The ti ssue response to Mersilene was minimal. Considering the resemblance to nylon in clinical findings, minimal tissue response, lack of biodegra dation and possibility of regulating postoperative astigmatism by sutu re adjustment, Mersilene seems to be a suitable material for penetrati ng keratoplasty.