SUBRETINAL FLUORESCEIN INJECTION FOR INTRAOPERATIVE IDENTIFICATION OF OCCULT RETINAL BREAKS IN RETINAL DETACHMENT...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Identifying retinal breaks during vitrectomy for retinal detachment can be challenging.
• Standard inspection methods may not always locate elusive breaks, particularly in complex cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and utility of subretinal fluorescein dye injection.
• To assess its effectiveness in identifying retinal breaks during retinal detachment vitrectomy.

Main Methods:

• Fluorescein dye (0.01-0.001 mg/mL) was injected into the subretinal space using a 41G needle.
• Retinal detachment surgeries were performed using specialized vitrectomy systems (NGENUITY®, CONSTELLATION®).
• Enhanced visualization was achieved with a blue filter and increased image gain, observing dye leakage through breaks.

Main Results:

• Subretinal fluorescein dye injection successfully facilitated precise localization of retinal breaks in four cases.
• No retinal toxicity or adverse effects were observed.
• Patients achieved stable anatomical reattachment, with electroretinograms showing no signs of toxicity.

Conclusions:

• Subretinal fluorescein dye injection is a valuable adjunct for identifying difficult retinal breaks in vitrectomized eyes.
• This technique may reduce the need for additional procedures like retinotomies or perfluorocarbon liquids.
• Further research is needed to confirm long-term efficacy and safety.