Intermittent intraocular thrombin as an adjunct to vitrectomy

The use of intraocular thrombin to control intraoperative hemorrhage is presented in two cases, one involving severe ocular trauma, the other severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The technique of intermittent boluses of 100 units/ml of thrombin in BSS Plus solution has certain advantages over the constant infusion mode of delivery. The ability to quickly manipulate the flow offers a distinct advantage in controlling the intraocular pressure and total amount of thrombin delivered. This is achieved by a simple and uncomplicated modification of the standard gravity infusion controlled by the surgical assistant.