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A Microsurgical Vacuum Pick for Membrane Peeling Without Forceps During Vitreoretinal Surgery
Background And Objective:
To describe a new device and method for peeling membranes without forceps during vitreoretinal surgery.
Materials And Methods:
A novel micro-vacuum-pick (MVP) was used to peel internal limiting membrane (ILM) and/or epiretinal membrane (ERM) in 24 consecutive pars plana vitrectomy procedures. The MVP was used to create an edge in the membrane, strip the membrane from the retinal surface, and evacuate the membrane from the eye through the lumen of the device using active aspiration.
Results:
The MVP was the sole device used to peel and remove ILM and/or ERM in each case. No surgical complication occurred during any case. The MVP was used to perform the fluid-air exchange in all cases in which a fluid-air exchange was performed.
Conclusions:
The MVP introduces a new method of peeling ILM and ERM without forceps. The MVP device and method eliminate the need for a separate device to create an edge in the ILM or ERM, reduce or eliminate instrument exchanges during membrane peeling, and eliminate the need for a separate extrusion cannula for fluid-air exchange. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2020;51:196-199.].
Insights
A novel micro-vacuum-pick (MVP) device offers a forceps-free method for peeling internal limiting membrane (ILM) and epiretinal membrane (ERM) during vitreoretinal surgery, simplifying the procedure and enhancing safety.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Innovation
- Retinal Surgery
Background:
- Vitreoretinal surgery often requires delicate membrane peeling.
- Current techniques for internal limiting membrane (ILM) and epiretinal membrane (ERM) removal can involve forceps and multiple instrument exchanges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a novel micro-vacuum-pick (MVP) device for membrane peeling.
- To describe a new, forceps-free method for ILM and ERM removal in vitreoretinal surgery.
Main Methods:
- A novel micro-vacuum-pick (MVP) was utilized in 24 consecutive pars plana vitrectomy procedures.
- The MVP was employed to initiate membrane peeling, strip membranes from the retinal surface, and aspirate removed tissue.
- The MVP served as the sole instrument for membrane peeling and removal in all cases.
Main Results:
- The MVP successfully peeled and removed ILM and/or ERM in all 24 cases without complications.
- The device facilitated fluid-air exchange when indicated.
- No surgical complications were reported during the procedures using the MVP.
Conclusions:
- The micro-vacuum-pick (MVP) presents a new, forceps-free approach to ILM and ERM peeling.
- This method potentially reduces instrument exchanges and the need for separate devices for membrane edge creation and fluid-air exchange.
- The MVP offers a streamlined and safe alternative for membrane removal in vitreoretinal surgery.
