A method for chronic drug infusion into the eye.
A method was established for chronic drug delivery into the vitreous of the rabbit eye. A cannula was inserted into the eye through the pars plana. A silicone plate controlled the intraocular location of the tip of the cannula; this plate also served as an anchor plate to the sclera. The distal end of the cannula was attached via a larger diameter silicone tubing to an implanted osmotic mini-pump. Cannulas remained patent and there was almost no evidence of ocular trauma after one year follow-up. This method thus has a potential use for experimental studies involving chronic application of drugs.
D000818:Animals; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D011817:Rabbits; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000187:drug effects*; D014945:Wound Healing