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New infusion cannula for prevention of retinal damage by infusion air during vitrectomy
Akira Hirata1, Naoko Yonemura, Tadashi Hasumura
1Department of Ophthalmology, Kumamoto University School of Medicine, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan. ahirata@kumamoto-u.ac.jp
Purpose:
Postoperative visual field defects are sometimes found after macular hole surgery. We have previously shown that damage to the retina by air infusion from an infusion cannula is a causative factor. To minimize such damage, we modified the infusion cannula and examined its effects experimentally.
Methods:
An infusion cannula with a closed tip and openings on four sides was created. Experimentally, a vitrectomy was performed in rabbit eyes using this new infusion cannula or a conventional cannula. After fluid-air exchange at an air pressure of 40 mmHg, eyes were removed and processed for histologic examination. The areas of the retinal damage caused by air infusion were evaluated.
Results:
The area of retinal damage created by the new cannula was reduced significantly when compared with damage from conventional cannula use.
Conclusion:
This new cannula, designed for the purpose of scattering the air infusion, can reduce retinal damage, which leads to less frequent postoperative visual field defects.
