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Farris-Tang retractor in optic nerve sheath decompression surgery.
Jennifer A Spiegel1, Jason A Sokol1, Thomas J Whittaker1
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Kansas, School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, USA.
Orbit (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|December 29, 2015
Summary
The Farris-Tang retractor improves visualization during optic nerve sheath decompression surgery. This surgical tool enhances efficiency and patient outcomes for conditions like pseudotumor cerebri.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurosurgery
- Surgical Instrumentation
Background:
- Pseudotumor cerebri causes increased intracranial pressure, potentially leading to visual field loss.
- Optic nerve sheath decompression surgery (ONDS) is an effective treatment when medical therapies fail.
- ONDS involves fenestrating the optic nerve sheath to relieve pressure.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce the Farris-Tang retractor for optic nerve sheath decompression surgery.
- Evaluate the retractor's efficacy in improving surgical visualization and access.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of optic nerve sheath fenestration procedures at a tertiary care teaching hospital.
- Detailed analysis of the Farris-Tang retractor's application during surgery.
- Assessment of surgical approach and visualization quality.
Main Results:
- The Farris-Tang retractor provides excellent visualization of the optic nerve sheath.
- Facilitates sheath fenestration and observation of cerebrospinal fluid egress.
- Medial conjunctival approach with the retractor minimizes orbital fat protrusion.
Conclusions:
- The Farris-Tang retractor enables safe, easy, and effective optic nerve access.
- Improves visualization, leading to enhanced surgical efficiency.
- Contributes to positive patient outcomes in ONDS.

