Background and objective: The authors attempted to find a way to perform reliable delayed suture adjustment so that surgeons can investigate whether delayed adjustment actually gives more reliable and stable results. To prevent the formation of postoperative adhesions and delay the time of adjustment, the authors used polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as a mechanical barrier.
Materials and methods: PTFE was placed between the free muscle end and the sclera as a physical barrier in 16 rabbits.
Results: PTFE could delay the adjustment for up to 4 weeks after surgery in 4 of 10 eyes in each group. After removal of PTFE, adjustment was possible up to 12 weeks because there was no adhesion between the muscle and the PTFE.
Conclusion: Adjustment could be delayed up to 4 weeks in 40% of the experimental eyes using PTFE as a physical barrier.