[Perfluorodecalin as a hydrokinetic substance in complicated retinal detachment]

Perfluorodecalin is a clear colourless fluid with high specific gravity. It is immiscible with gas, blood, water, or any other fluid used in vitrectomy. The low viscosity permits easy injection and removal with microsurgical equipment. The high weight displaces subretinal fluid anteriorly through retinal breaks back into the vitreous space. Posterior retinotomies can be avoided. A large bubble of perfluorodecalin in the vitreous cavity stabilizes the retina mechanically during dissection and peeling of epiretinal membranes. Before the procedure is ended the fluid must be completely removed from the eye and replaced by BSS, air, gas, or silicon oil. We present the surgical technique and preliminary results.