Low viscosity liquid fluorochemicals in vitreous surgery

Low viscosity liquid fluorocarbons have physical properties potentially useful as intraoperative adjuncts during vitreous surgery for complicated retinal detachments. These substances are optically clear, have specific gravity greater than that of water, and interfacila tension properties similar to those of silicone oil. In four patients who had complicated retinal detachments I used perfluorotributylamine and perfluorodecalin during vitreous surgery. Two giant retinal tears were flattened intraoperatively without turning the patient into the prone position. In two patients with severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy, perfluorotributylamine allowed adequate retinal tamponade and avoided a posterior retinotomy for internal drainage of subretinal fluid. Endophotocoagulation was applied.