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Intraoperative breakage of 20-gauge Tano forceps
Karl U Bartz-Schmidt1, Ihab El-Araj, Faik Gelisken
1Department of Ophthalmology I, Division of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Eberhard-Karls University of Tuebingen, Schleichstrasse 12-16, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
Purpose:
To report three cases with breakage of a 20-gauge kryptonite forceps during vitreoretinal surgery.
Design:
Interventional case report.
Methods:
Pars plana vitrectomy that included a membrane peeling was performed in three patients through standard ports with 20-gauge vitrectomy systems. The peeling procedure was attempted with the end-gripping kryptonite forceps.
Results:
Intraoperatively, the branch/tip broke and dropped onto the posterior pole. Removal of the broken part was uncomplicated, and the subsequent clinical course was unremarkable. In one case, the handle and branch/tip part were exchanged inadvertently. In the other two cases, neither an exchange nor a maladaptation of the parts was noted.
Conclusion:
An exchange of the hand piece and gripping end may increase the risk of breakage and retinal damage. The delicate gripping tips, however, may break because of inadequate maintenance and/or aging of the material. Intraoperative visual and functional examination is recommended before intraocular use.
