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Abstract:
Flushing fluid from microsponges (surgical spears) and solutions for irrigation (balanced salt solution and Ringer solution) as well as other medicaments for intraocular use during surgery (solutions of Zolyse, solutions of Miochol and Healon) have been examined for particulate contamination. The method used to collect and analyse the particles involved scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX) in order to determine elements within the range of atomic number 9-93 in the periodic system. The investigation disclosed particulate contamination of all solutions examined. Particle number (greater than 5 microns) per ml varied from 15 to 400 and the size from 5 microns-800 microns. Microsponges released particles in numbers from 25-90 in a size range of 5-3000 microns per ml flushing fluid (Total flushing volume 20 ml). More than half of the particles were below 10 microns in all specimens examined. The irrigation solutions and solutions of medicaments contained only few particles above 40 microns. Most of the particles were of organic material which is not detectable with EDAX. This analytical system disclosed a wide range of inorganic elements, being present in the examined solution in the form of particles or as solutes.
Insights
Particulate contamination was found in all intraocular surgical fluids and microsponges. These particles, ranging from 5 to 3000 microns, pose a risk during ophthalmic procedures.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Intraocular surgical fluids and medicaments are critical for ophthalmic procedures.
- Particulate contamination in these solutions can potentially lead to adverse patient outcomes.
- Microsponges are used for fluid management during surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate particulate contamination in microsponges and intraocular surgical solutions.
- To characterize the size and elemental composition of detected particles.
Main Methods:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for particle visualization.
- Energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX) was employed for elemental analysis (atomic number 9-93).
- Analysis included flushing fluid from microsponges, balanced salt solution, Ringer solution, Zolyse, Miochol, and Healon.
Main Results:
- All examined solutions and microsponges exhibited particulate contamination.
- Particle counts per ml ranged from 15-400 for solutions and 25-90 for microsponges.
- Particle sizes varied significantly, from 5 microns up to 3000 microns for microsponges, with most particles under 10 microns.
Conclusions:
- Particulate contamination is prevalent in materials used for intraocular surgery.
- The presence of particles, particularly organic material, necessitates further investigation into their clinical significance.
- SEM and EDAX are effective methods for detecting and analyzing particulate contamination in ophthalmic solutions.