Removal of blood from the retinal surface in pars plana vitrectomy

The technique of removal of blood from the retinal surface in pars plana vitrectomy using a blunt-tipped needle open to the atmosphere has two disadvantages: uncontrolled suction force at the tip of the needle, and a drop in intraocular pressure to zero when the needle is vented to the atmosphere. Modification of the procedure can eliminate these problems. By connecting the blunt-tipped needle to a bag of intravenous fluid, the suction force of the needle can be controlled; and by elevating both the bag connected to the infusion line and that connected to the suction needle, the intraocular pressure can be increased and the problem of intraocular bleeding minimized or eliminated.