Physical effects of reuse and repeated ethylene oxide sterilization on transscleral cyclophotocoagulation laser G-probes.
OBJECTIVE
The authors documented the physical effects of reuse and repeated ethylene oxide sterilization on transscleral cyclophotocoagulation laser G-probes.


METHODS
Transscleral cyclophotocoagulation was performed using G-probes on fresh porcine eyes. Each of two G-probes was used for four transscleral cyclophotocoagulation procedures, with three cycles of ethylene oxide sterilization in between. The power output from the G-probes was measured by a laser output meter before and after each transscleral cyclophotocoagulation procedure. The G-probes were also examined under a slit lamp for signs of physical damage.


RESULTS
Repeated use of the G-probe in transscleral cyclophotocoagulation, with ethylene oxide sterilization in between, resulted in an average decrease of 3% in laser energy delivered per repeated cycle of use up to the fourth cycle. No signs of physical damage were found.


CONCLUSIONS
Laser G-probes remain functional after repeated use and ethylene oxide resterilization for up to four cycles. No visible physical damage to the probes was identified. It is safe and cost-effective to reuse G-probe for transscleral cyclophotocoagulation with ethylene oxide sterilization, provided the surgeon stays alert for signs of probe damage. This alertness should be retained regardless of whether new or old G-probes are used.
Tham
Clement C Y
CC
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, NT, People's Republic of China. clemtham@hkstar.com
Lai
Jimmy S M
JS
Fung
Peter C W
PC
Chua
John K H
JK
Poon
Agnes S Y
AS
Lam
Dennis S C
DS
D000818:Animals; D002924:Ciliary Body / Q000601:surgery*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D017743:Equipment Reuse; D005027:Ethylene Oxide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000601:surgery; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012008:Recurrence; D012590:Sclera; D013242:Sterilization / Q000379:methods*; D013552:Swine
D005027:Ethylene Oxide