Artikel
The vascularization of an autologous-free RPE and choroid graft: an in-vivo experiment
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Autoren
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K. J. M. Maaijwee
- Rotterdam Eye Hospital, The Netherlands; Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Center for Ophthalmology, Cologne
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A. M. Joussen
- Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Center for Ophthalmology, Cologne
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B. Kirchhof
- Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Center for Ophthalmology, Cologne
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J. C. van Meurs
- Rotterdam Eye Hospital, The Netherlands
| Veröffentlicht: | 22. September 2004 |
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Gliederung
Text
Objective
In patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration, the surgical removal of the subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane with the subsequent translocation of an autologous midperipheral full-thickness graft of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choroid under the macula is a potentially successful new treatment. Building on the encouraging clinical data, we wished to study whether revascularization occurs in an animal model and to identify factors that promote an ideal take of the patch.
Methods
In 8 miniature pigs we successfully translocated a choroid-RPE-patch to differently prepared recipient sites. The animals were sacrificed after 3 months and evaluation of the eyes occurred with the use of light microscopy, immunohistochemical staining and scanning electron microscopy.
Results
In 5 patches there was direct contact with the recipient layer. Revascularization of these patches were identified, as the vasculature of the patch appeared perfused. Especially when the patch choroid was in contact with the recipient Bruch's membrane, the patch was likely to be vital.
Conclusions
Revascularization of the patch occurred after translocation. When the patch was flatly placed on the recipient, the take was more likely to be successful.
