Safe Removal of Sticky Silicone Oil Using Perfluorocarbon Liquid Injection and Emulsification with a Fragmatome

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomaterials Science
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Silicone oil (SO) is often used during retinal detachment surgery.
• Sticky SO can adhere to the posterior retina, complicating removal.
• Perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCLs) are dense, immiscible fluids used in ophthalmology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a novel method for the safe removal of sticky silicone oil from the posterior retina.
• To evaluate the efficacy of perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) in detaching and facilitating the removal of silicone oil (SO).

Main Methods:

• Experiments were conducted in transparent containers and ex vivo pig eyes.
• PFCL was injected to detach SO or chili oil (as a model) from surfaces.
• A fragmatome was used to emulsify and suction the detached SO layer under high pressure.

Main Results:

• PFCL injection successfully detached SO bubbles and chili oil layers from adhered surfaces.
• High suction pressure combined with fragmatome emulsification effectively removed the SO layer.
• The method demonstrated safe removal of SO from the posterior retina of vitrectomized pig eyes.

Conclusions:

• A two-step approach involving PFCL injection and subsequent fragmatome-assisted suction safely removes sticky SO.
• This technique offers a promising solution for managing difficult SO tamponade removal in ophthalmic surgery.