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Subretinal administration of tissue-type plasminogen activator to speed the drainage of subretinal hemorrhage
S Saika1, A Yamanaka, A Yamanaka
1Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical College, Japan.
Background:
Bleeding into the subretinal space in the vicinity of the macula is associated with age-related macular degeneration or retinal arterial macroaneurysm. The prognosis for restoration of vision is poor in the presence of blood clots.
Methods:
Using a simple device composed of three disposable syringes we injected tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) into the subretinal space during conventional vitrectomy in six patients to assist the draining of subretinal clots.
Results:
Four of six patients recovered their visual acuity postoperatively, while visual acuity in the other patients was stabilized.
Conclusion:
Early drainage of subretinal hemorrhage assisted by the introduction of tPA into the subretinal space led to uncomplicated surgery and favorable postoperative results.