Bovine pericardium membrane (tutopatch) combined with solid platelet-rich plasma for the management of perforated corneal ulcers

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the use of a collagenous patch derived from bovine pericardium (Tutopatch) associated to a clot of autologous eye platelet-rich plasma (E-PRP) as a surgical alternative for the closure of perforated corneal ulcers.

Methods: A total of 6 patients with perforated corneal ulcers were treated. The Tutopatch was fixed to the conjunctiva with nylon stitches and then the E-PRP clot was placed on the corneal surface, underneath the patch. At the end of the procedure, a partial temporal tarsorrhaphy was done. Patients were observed daily for the following 10 days.

Results: In all cases, the corneal perforation was sealed. The bovine pericardium patch was present over the corneal surface until the tarsorrhaphy was opened. No evidence of infection or inflammation was detected. Digital tonometry confirmed acceptable ocular pressure in all cases from day 2 after the surgery. No patients reported pain, discomfort, or any subjective symptoms, and no complications were observed. The tarsorrhaphy was opened 2 to 3 weeks after the surgery, and the ocular surface was inspected without signs of leakage. The patients were followed up for 3 months with no evidence of relapses or perforations in 5 of them.

Conclusion: The combined use of Tutopatch and E-PRP clot was found to be a safe and effective surgical technique for the closure of perforated corneal ulcers. This technique could be an alternative for the urgent management of perforated corneal ulcers although additional studies are needed to determine the technique's overall effectiveness.