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Biomedical subjects

J W Cowden

Publications and source records attributed to J W Cowden.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

The clinical evaluation of 9-0 and 10-0 monofilament Polyglactin 910 absorbable suture for corneal surgery.

The 9-0 or 10-0 monofilament Polyglactin 910 absorbable (Vicryl) suture was utilized in combination with 10-0 nylon suture for 35 patients undergoing corneal surgery in order to evaluate the clinical usefulness of a very fine absorbable suture material. The maintenance of wound approximation, degree of tissue reaction, and rate of absorption were observed along with any adverse effects. Adequate wound closure was maintained in all cases. Little tissue reaction was present in the cornea although a slightly increased healing time was observed for the corneal epithelium in five cases. Absorption was complete within six weeks. The clinical usefulness appears to be in patients who might avoid an additional general anesthetic for suture removal by using the absorbable 10-0 Vicryl for small corneal lacerations and incisions.

Cataract Extraction↗

Large diameter therapeutic penetrating keratoplasties.

Fourteen penetrating keratoplasties were done on ten patients using 9.5 mm or larger diameter grafts. The causes for large grafts were perforation or impending perforation of large descemetoceles due to bacterial ulceration in five eyes, herpes simplex viral keratouveitis in three eyes, severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca with ulceration in four eyes, alkali burn and Mooren's ulcer in one eye each. The average duration of graft clarity was 67.2 days (range 14 days to 6 months). The best spectacle corrected visual acuity range was from l.p. to 20/40. Two patients had recurrent ulceration requiring two large diameter regrafts each. The average period of clarity in these repeated grafts was 26 days. A small graft placed inside of the failed large graft remained clear in 50% of the six eyes which were done for visual restoration. A large diameter penetrating keratoplasty may salvage an eye that might have otherwise been lost and in a few cases provide the opportunity for useful vision.

Corneal Diseases↗