Surgical Removal of Submacular Perfluorocarbon Liquid Using a 41-Gauge Extendible Subretinal Injection Needle

Abstract

Submacular perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) retention is a well-known complication of vitreoretinal surgeries; however, the optimal surgical technique for the removal of subfoveal PFCL is yet to be determined. We describe a novel surgical technique for the removal of retained submacular PFCL by performing a retinotomy adjacent to the inferotemporal arcade using a 41-gauge extendible subretinal injection needle and inducing a therapeutic retinal detachment. Through the same retinotomy, the bent 41-gauge needle was advanced into the subretinal space to reach the PFCL bubble. Subsequently, active aspiration of PFCL was performed. The surgical procedure was successfully performed in two patients. This technique appears to be an effective surgical approach for removing retained submacular PFCL bubble.

Keywords

• Subretinal Injection Needle
• Subretinal Perfluorocarbon Liquid
• Vitrectomy