Healing: use of collagen matrix

Abstract

The Ologen™ collagen matrix is a new antifibrotic agent composed of a porous matrix of type I atelocolagene and cross-linked glycosaminoglycans, which can be used as an alternative for the modulation of healing in surgeries. Because it is highly porous and biodegradable, this implant assists in the physiological repair processes that occur in the connective and epithelial tissue of the lesion without the formation of fibrotic tissue, which leads to surgical failure and IOP elevation. The Trabeculectomy (TREC) is considered the standard surgery for the treatment of glaucoma; however, the surgical success rates in the medium and long term are related to surgical site healing, mainly involving conjunctival and tenonian tissue. The healing process is divided into 4 main phases: coagulative, inflammatory, proliferative and remodeling, with a series of chemical cascades and biochemical factors released in an attempt to restore hemostasis. Since several researches in the literature have already demonstrated the beneficial effects on healing by using the Ologen collagen matrix in ophthalmic surgeries, in addition to possible complications. The results of current Ologen implant studies for the treatment of glaucoma are encouraging and promising. However, future randomized clinical trials with long-term follow-up are necessary to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the new implant in modulating healing, achieving better rates of surgical success.

Keywords:
Healing; Glaucoma/surgery; Ologen