AmnioGuard^®

AmnioGuard is a beneficial alternative to other commonly used grafts. However, it could be used in combination with a mucosal graft to deliver a premium outcome. In contrast to Autograft such as mucosal graft, other allografts available are dehydrated in nature and don’t retain the tensile strength and many of the key biologics responsible for facilitating healing.

Yes, like AmnioGraft, AmnioGuard delivers both biologics (HC-HA/PTX3) while functioning as a surgical graft into which host cells migrate to repair the damaged tissue.  However, AmnioGuard is an excellent alternative when a thicker graft is required and tectonic support is necessary, especially in cases when patients present with deeper defects such as descemetoceles, perforations, and scleral melts.  The thickness and tectonic strength of AmnioGuard allows the surgeon to suture without folding, dislocation, or dehiscence of the graft with no corneal leakage. ​

Yes. The fetal origin of the umbilical cord makes it immune-privileged, driving a more rapid and more efficient immune response. It also averts the possible immune-related graft melting and promotes improved host-tissue integration to prolong graft survival.  ​

Oral mucosal grafts result in discomfort in the mouth during the healing period, unsatisfactory cosmetic results in the eye, and may mask tumor recurrence because of the non-conjunctival epithelial morphology. However, AmnioGuard is commonly used in conjunctival reconstruction to facilitate healing with less inflammation and minimal scarring.  CRYOTEK® preserves the intact basement membrane and contains a higher amount of soluble, inflammation modulating factors. AmnioGuard facilitates complete epithelial healing, with excellent cosmesis in all patients.

The increased thickness of the AmnioGuard replaces the full thickness of the excised conjunctiva and episcleral making it an excellent choice for a graft post tumor excision in deeper wounds. Despite its thickness, AmnioGuard did not contribute to Dellen formation. No complaints of discomfort, failure, dehiscence, or infection.

AmnioGuard can be either sutured (using an 8-0 Vicryl suture) or glued (fibrin glue), or both to the surrounding conjunctiva and underlying sclera.   Fibrin glue can shorten the surgery time and decrease conjunctival inflammation and discomfort.

AmnioGuard is a viable alternative for conjunctival surface reconstruction after the excision of tumors due to its thickness, post-operative outcomes (function & cosmesis), ease of handling, and cost-effectiveness.

The disadvantages of autologous substitute grafts include an undesirable cosmetic appearance, foul discharge, graft harvesting, donor-site morbidity, and contraction of the graft.

AmnioGuard is available in three sizes:

• AGD 1075 – AmnioGuard (1.0 cm x 0.75 cm) = $385
• AGD 2520 – AmnioGuard (2.5 cm x 2.0 cm) = $895
• AGD GS40 – AmnioGuard (3.0 cm x 4.0 cm) = $1295