Safety outcomes of a mobile laminar airflow device to perform intravitreal injections: a 3-year retrospective study

The increasing demand for intravitreal injections (IVIs) necessitates exploring efficient and safe alternatives to traditional operating rooms (ORs). The use of mobile laminar airflow (LAF) devices has emerged as a potential solution to create a sterile environment for IVIs outside the OR. This study investigated the safety outcomes of the Operio mobile LAF device to perform IVIs in a non-OR setting.

This retrospective study included 1420 patients who received a total of 6638 IVIs between January 2021 and December 2024 at Ospedale Fatebenefratelli Isola Tiberina - Gemelli Isola in Rome, Italy. The Operio mobile LAF device was positioned beside the operating table, directing air flow towards the surgical area. A standardized protocol was followed for patient preparation, anaesthesia, IVI administration and post-injection care. The primary outcome was the incidence of endophthalmitis.

Antivascular endothelial growth factor agents constituted 96% (6369/6638) of all IVIs. Corticosteroids accounted for the remaining 4% (269/6638) of IVIs. One case of endophthalmitis following an IVI with Mvasi was observed among the 6638 IVIs administered during the study period, a rate of 0.015%. Other complications, such as subconjunctival haemorrhage (386 eyes) and transient ocular hypertension (57 eyes), were not linked with use of the Operio mobile LAF device.

Using a portable LAF device, such as the Operio mobile LAF device, for IVIs in a non-OR setting is a safe and effective alternative to traditional ORs.