Colored perfluorocarbon liquids as novel intraoperative tools

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomaterials Science
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCLs) are crucial for retinal stabilization in vitreoretinal surgery.
• Current transparent PFCLs present visibility challenges.
• Development of colored PFCLs aims to enhance intraoperative visualization and surgical ease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a colored perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) for enhanced visualization during vitreoretinal surgeries.
• To assess the biocompatibility and staining potential of the colored PFCL on ocular tissues.
• To investigate the interaction of colored PFCLs with silicone oil.

Main Methods:

• Perfluorohexyloctan (F6H8) was colored with a biocompatible anthraquinone dye.
• Colored F6H8 was mixed with perfluorodecalin (PFD) or perfluorooctane (PFO) at varying concentrations.
• Incubation and microscopic analysis of colored PFCLs with porcine ocular tissues (cornea, lens, vitreous, retina).
• Evaluation of colored PFCL interaction with silicone oil via exchange in enucleated pig eyes.

Main Results:

• Colored PFCLs with adjustable density and staining intensity were successfully created.
• No staining of ocular tissues (cornea, lens, vitreous, retina) was observed after 10-minute incubation.
• Colored PFCLs maintained transparency, ensuring clear visualization of underlying structures.
• Easy aspiration of colored PFCLs was demonstrated, but significant dye diffusion into silicone oil occurred within 5 minutes.

Conclusions:

• Colored PFCLs enhance intraoperative visibility in vitreoretinal surgery.
• The developed colored PFCL is non-staining to intraocular tissues and easily removable.
• Limited contact time between colored PFCLs and silicone oil is recommended due to observed dye diffusion.