Mersilene (Polyester), a new suture for penetrating keratoplasty

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.

Comparison of Complication Rates and Postoperative Astigmatism Between Nylon and Mersilene Sutures for Corneal Transplants in Patients with Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy

“…Several studies conclude that Mersilene can be used effectively in corneal transplantation, 21Y26 although these studies are noncomparative, evaluating the use of Mersilene sutures alone or in combination with nylon sutures. A study by Ramselaar et al, 26 comparing interrupted nylon sutures combined with either a running Mersilene suture or a running nylon suture, concluded that Mersilene seemed to be suitable for penetrating keratoplasty. In contrast to the aforementioned studies, Bertram et al, 20 concluded that Mersilene was inappropriate for use in penetrating keratoplasty because of its high incidence of complications.…”

Surgical Sutures: Performance, Development and Use

“…The smallest available dimensions of nylon and prolene cause a very low tissue reaction and are well tolerated in iris surgery [38]. In a study [110] Mersilene (polyester monofilament) was found to be suitable for penetrating keratoplasty for its strength, no degradation by ultraviolet light, insoluble so that it can be left in situ, and the possibility of suture adjustment for regulation of postoperative astigmatism. In regard to corneal replacement, it is worth mentioning that suturing may result irregular corneal shape, which further affects the visual recovery.…”

Oftalmik İğne Tipleri ve Sütür Materyalleri

“…Polyester ve polypropylene sütürün ikiside kalıcıdır, yüksek kopma mukavemetine sahiptir ve nylona benzer şekilde doku reaksiyonu oldukça azdır. 20,21,32 Polybutester: Yeni sütür materyallerindendir. Polyglycol terephthate (%16) and polybutylene terephthate (%84) kopolimerinden oluşan monofilament bir sütürdür.…”