The universal orbital implant: indications and methods.

Abstract

Major criticisms of quasi-integrated implants, such as the Iowa Implant, have been the time-consuming surgical technique needed to implant the prosthesis, and the high rate of extrusion. The Universal Implant (Oculo-Plastik, Montreal) is designed with these concerns in mind. In addition, those qualities that produce the motility advantages of a quasi-integrated implant and the ease of placement of a sphere have been incorporated into the design of the Universal Implant. The Universal Implant also (1) uses a faster implantation technique at surgery, (2) avoids cleaning the muscles, (3) has smaller mounds that are lower and more rounded, and should decrease the late extrusion rate, (4) can be used as an evisceration implant, enucleation implant, or secondary implant, and (5) has a larger girth and radius on the posterior surface that, in turn, helps support orbital fat and tissues and results in a more natural superior sulcus. It is recommended that the Universal Implant be used by surgeons who were pleased with the Iowa Implant, as the Universal implant represents an excellent alternative with major advantages over most other enucleation implants.