A modified technique to stain the internal limiting membrane with indocyanine green.
OBJECTIVE
Peeling of the internal limiting membrane (ILM) has improved the outcomes in vitreoretinal surgery of macular diseases. Indocyanine green (ICG) is used to stain and improve the visualization of the ILM. This paper aims to describe a modified approach to stain and peel the ILM avoiding potential adverse side effects.


METHODS
After a core vitrectomy, 0.05 ml of ICG in a concentration of 5 mg/ml is quickly injected under water around the macular region. The tip of the syringe is positioned about 5 mm from the macular tissue, in a way that about a 3-mm diameter area around the fovea is stained by the ICG. Additional ICG is immediately removed by aspiration. Peeling of the ILM is accomplished with a forceps.


RESULTS
Neither residual ICG in the vitreous cavity nor any clinical signs of phototoxicity like retinal edema were detected in any patients operated by this technique.


CONCLUSIONS
This modified technique to stain the ILM limits the amount and concentration of ICG. The locally limited contact of ICG with the retinal surface seems to be a safe procedure to stain the ILM.
Schmidt
Joerg C
JC
Department of Ophthalmology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany.
Rodrigues
Eduardo B
EB
Meyer
Carsten H
CH
Hoerle
Steffen
S
Kroll
Peter
P
D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004487:Edema / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007208:Indocyanine Green / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007267:Injections; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000601:surgery*; D008566:Membranes / Q000601:surgery; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000601:surgery*; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods*
D004396:Coloring Agents; D007208:Indocyanine Green