title: A single-suture technique for placement of the ganciclovir implant.
abstract: The ganciclovir implant is a surgically implanted sustained-release drug delivery system used for the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis. The device is suspended in the vitreous cavity through a pars plana incision. Previous reports of the surgical procedure have described securing the implant on 1 suture, tied with an external knot. The ends of this suture were left long to avoid sharp ends eroding through the conjunctiva. The wound was then closed with 1 or more additional sutures, with the ends tied and cut short. We describe a technique whereby the wound is closed and the implant secured with a single running suture. The advantages of this technique include efficiency and elimination of exposed knots. We have observed no complications attributable to this technique.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Ill, USA. d-weinberg2@nwu.edu
authors.forename: B E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: D V
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Weinberg
mesh_terms: D017726:Cytomegalovirus Retinitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004343:Drug Implants; D015774:Ganciclovir / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D012590:Sclera / Q000601:surgery*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014822:Vitreous Body; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D004343:Drug Implants; D015774:Ganciclovir