A new heavy internal tamponade in vitreoretinal surgery: an in vitro study

AimTo study the solubility of perfluorohexyloctane (F6H8) in silicone oil (polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) 1000) and to measure the viscosity and the specific gravity of the mixture obtained (heavy silicone oil or HSO tamponade) to define the ideal ratio of these components.MethodsThe solubility diagram of the mixture was obtained with the turbidimetric method, indicating the miscibility of F6H8 and silicone oil 1000 at all the useful temperatures. The viscosity was measured in steady shear conditions by using a controlled stress rheometer (Haake RS150) and a double cone/plate (DC 60/4) system, both at 25 and 37 degrees C for different volume per cent compositions of the mixture. The specific gravity was measured at 37 degrees C using a digital densimeter.ResultsA mixture of F6H8 30 v% and PDMS 70 v% was found to be transparent and stable at all the useful temperatures. By combining these proportions of the two substances, a resultant density of 1.06 g/cm(3) was obtained. The viscosity of the 30% F6H8 mixture was 203 mPa.s at 25 degrees C and 163 mPa.s at 37 degrees C respectively.ConclusionsThe ideal F6H8 and silicone oil mixture can be obtained combining 30% of F6H8 with 70% of silicone oil 1000. This mixture seems to have rheological properties useful for its use as an alternative intraocular heavy tamponade.Eye (2008) 22, 1082-1088; doi:10.1038/eye.2008.144; published online 6 June 2008.