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New adhesive protects incisions in cataract surgery
WAILEA, Hawaii — A new wound sealant used to protect the incision site in clear cornea cataract surgery is showing promise in clinical trials, according to a presenter here.
 Terry Kim |
OcuSeal ocular sealant (HyperBranch Medical Technology) is a synthetic, dendritic hydrogel created specifically for use on the ocular surface, Terry Kim, MD, said at the Hawaiian Eye meeting. It has a unique brush-like applicator, and it is applied in a liquid form.
When applied to the incision site, it creates a low-profile, smooth, soft and transparent barrier film, Dr. Kim said.
In a phase 2 clinical trial conducted at two sites in South Africa of 60 patients undergoing cataract surgery, 20 patients treated with the sealant showed 100% watertight seal at all measurement intervals on an average incision size of 2.5 mm, Dr. Kim said.
Out of 20 eyes in the non-sutured group, there were three cases of incomplete watertight closure at 1 hour, 1 day and 3 days postop, with complete closure by day 7, he said. Additionally, in the 20 eyes in the sutured group, there were two cases of incomplete watertight closure at 1 hour, 1 day and 3 days postop, with complete closure by day 7.
Dr. Kim also noted that there were no cases of astigmatism in the sealant group or in the non-sutured group while the sutured group had three cases of astigmatism at 30 days postop.
OcuSeal ocular sealant is currently unavailable in the United States, Dr. Kim said.