Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
06:48
Limbal Approach-Subretinal Injection of Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy in Mice Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Published on: August 7, 2015
A micro-advancer device for vitreal injection and retinal recording and stimulation
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States. hultm001@umn.edu
Experimental Eye Research
|September 3, 2011
Summary
A novel micro-advancer device enables precise needle placement in the rat eye's vitreous humor. This simple, low-cost tool facilitates accurate delivery and experimental setup for ocular research.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Accurate delivery of substances into the eye is crucial for ocular research.
- Existing methods may lack precision or require complex equipment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a new, cost-effective micro-advancer device for precise needle insertion into the rat vitreous humor.
- To demonstrate the device's utility for sequential injections and electrode placement.
Main Methods:
- A compact device with an outer guard needle and an inner injection needle.
- Utilizes a stereotaxic holder, stabilizing ring, micromanipulator, and leadscrew mechanism.
- Allows visual positioning to within microns of the retinal surface via microscope.
Main Results:
- The device enables precise positioning of a narrow-gauge needle within the vitreous humor.
- Facilitates rapid exchange of injection needles for sequential delivery of solutions.
- Allows accurate placement of recording/stimulating electrodes and optical fibers.
Conclusions:
- The micro-advancer offers a simple, inexpensive, and precise method for ocular interventions in rats.
- It enhances experimental flexibility for vitreous humor injections and neural recordings.
- This tool can advance research in ophthalmology and neuroscience.
