Bonding strengths of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate, N-butyl-2- cyanoacrylate, and nylon 10-0

Objective
To determine the bonding strength of 2-Octyl cyanoacrylate (Dermabond) compared with N-Butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Histoacryl) and nylon 10-0 (Alcon,) in sealing experimentally induced corneal perforations in cadaver porcine eyes.

Methods
This is a single-blind, randomized, physical experimental study involving 78 freshly enucleated porcine eyes in which perforations of 3.0 and 5.1 mm were made in the cornea and randomly sealed with either interrupted nylon 10-0 (n=13), Dermabond (n=13), or Histoacryl (n=13). Intraocular pressures were raised by injecting normal saline into the anterior chamber and postsealing leaking pressures were measured using a precalibrated manometer attached to the anterior chamber maintainer. Fisher’s Exact Test was used to determine the difference in proportion of eyes that leaked, and Wilcoxon signed ranked test to compare the mean leaking pressures.

Results
In the 3.0 mm group, the proportion of eyes that leaked in Dermabond (2/13, 15.4%) and Histoacryl (1/13, 7.7%) were comparable (p = 1.00). Proportion of leak in nylon 10-0 (13/13, 100%) was significantly higher (p < 0.001). Mean leaking pressures of Dermabond (79.5 mm Hg) and Histoacryl (88.0 mm Hg) were higher compared with that of nylon 10-0 (61.44 mm Hg) (p < 0.05). In the 5.1 mm group, proportion of eyes that leaked in Dermabond (4/13, 30.8%) and Histoacryl (2/13, 15.4%) were comparable (p = 0.65). Proportion of leak in nylon 10-0 (13/13, 100%) was significantly higher (p < 0.001). Mean leaking pressures of Dermabond (92.75 mm Hg) and Histoacryl (86.5 mm Hg) were higher than that of nylon 10-0 (59.08 mm Hg) (p = 0.07 and p = 0.10).

Conclusion
The bonding strengths of Dermabond and Histoacryl are comparable and greater than that of nylon 10-0. Both are effective for 3.0 mm and 5.1 mm corneal perforations.

Keywords: Corneal perforations, 2-Octyl cyanoacrylate, N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate