Human Amniotic Membrane Elementary Units Transplant (HAMT-EU) enable ocular surface diseases treatment without surgery

Session Details

Session Title: Cornea
Session Date/Time: Sunday 28/02/2016 | 08:30-11:00
Paper Time: 08:54
Venue: MC2 Room
First Author: : E.Ghinelli ITALY
Co Author(s): :    K. Kenyon   L. Vedovelli   A. Rodella   R. Biasiolo     

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Human amniotic membrane elementary units transplant (HAMT-EU) are a fast and cost-effective innovative way to use amniotic membrane for treatment of ocular diseases. This approach permits to avoid the risk of surgery and thus shorten recovery time. Compared to the classic HAMT transplant, this method is applicable to a larger number of patients with the possibility of longer periods of treatment even for chronic diseases.

Setting:

Ospedale Civile di Volta Mantovana, Italy Tufts University School of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Schepens Eye Research Institute, New England Eye Center, Boston, MA, USA Pediatric Research Institute 'Citta' della Speranza', Italy Brescia University, Italy Bioteck Srl, Italy

Methods:

Human amniotic membrane (AM) is obtained from elective c-sections collected from selected donors. AM is processed according to the “Prime 21” lyophilization method that uses a planetary mill and precise working phases to obtain small AM fragments (400 square-microns area) that retain the original tissue ultrastructure (epithelium, basal membrane, and stroma). The resultant HAMT-EU are subsequently rehydrated, applied topically, and available for continuous use as the clinical situation warrants.

Results:

In preliminary, open label applications for cases of persistent corneal epithelial defects of various etiologies, HAMT-EU retained the same properties of the cryopreserved/thawed membrane patch while adding the suture-less ease of use and the possibility of prolonged use. No specific adverse side effects were observed.

Conclusions:

HAMT-EU transplant differences from the AM graft are the absence of sutures application and the easier preservation and delivery. The full biological identity of the original patch is preserved in a small scale and the advanced lyophilization process does not alter the bio-mechanical properties of the tissue. In the same way as the AM transplant, HAMT-EU would support corneal protection and enhance corneal re-epithelialization. This new use of AM could change the management of several acute and chronic ocular surface diseases copping the rising request of intervention, avoiding hospitalization and stemming healthcare costs.

Financial Disclosure:

One or more of the authors gains financially from product or procedure presented, One or more of the authors receives non-monetary benefits from a company producing, developing or supplying the product or procedure presented., One or more of the authors receives consulting fees, retainer, or contract payments from a company producing, developing or supplying the product or procedure presented, One or more of the authors is employed by a for-profit company with an interest in the subject of the presentation, One or more of the authors has significant investment interest in a company producing, developing or supplying product or procedure presented