NOVEL TECHNIQUE FOR SUBRETINAL FLUID DRAINAGE WITH CHANDELIER-ASSISTED SCLERAL BUCKLE SURGERY: CANNULA-CONTROLLED DRAINAGE

Abstract

Purpose: 

To report a novel technique for subretinal fluid drainage in scleral buckle surgery.

Methods: 

A 26-gauge intravenous cannula with its needle was used to puncture the sclera; then, the needle (metallic part) was withdrawn to further introduce the cannula into the subretinal space. In addition, we describe using the 25-gauge microcannula of the chandelier light to inject the balanced salt solution to help restore the intraocular pressure and push the subretinal fluid through the intravenous cannula under direct visualization.

Results: 

An 82-year-old gentleman with chronic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with subretinal bands who was at a high risk for intraoperative bleeding since he was on dual antiplatelet therapy. He underwent chandelier light–assisted scleral buckle with subretinal fluid drainage using cannula controlled drainage, which resulted in complete intraoperative subretinal fluid drainage with no complications and successful flattening of the retina in the postoperative follow-up.

Conclusion: 

Subretinal fluid drainage using this technique with chandelier-assisted scleral buckle surgery is a new method which might improve the safety profile of subretinal fluid drainage during scleral buckle surgery.

In Brief

Subretinal fluid drainage using the cannula-controlled drainage is a novel technique that is advantageous over traditional methods. The advantages include a blunt malleable Teflon cannula that reduces the risk of retinal injury, conforms well to the subretinal space, and mitigates the risk of retinal breaks.