A novel applicator for the selective painting of pre-retinal structures during vitreoretinal surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate a novel applicator, the so-called vitreoretinal-internal limiting membrane colour enhancer to achieve the selective painting of pre-retinal structures.


METHODS
The VINCE is a modified backflush needle, containing an adjustable silicone tube, which is surrounded by a metal cannula. The tube is connected to a dye container in the handpiece of the applicator.


RESULTS
The instrument was successful in painting the retinal surface sufficiently and was found to be particularly useful to avoid unintended staining of the peripheral or foveal retina. The newly developed customized cartridge-loading system contains the ready prepared dye, avoiding time-consuming dilution and preparation of the vital dye during surgery in the OR. The VINCE is effective in restricting the dye only to the area of surgical interest.


CONCLUSIONS
The VINCE is a useful tool to limit intraocular dye to the required area to minimize possible side effects to intraocular retinal structures.
Meyer
Carsten H
CH
Department of Ophthalmology, Philipps University, Robert Koch Strasse 4, 35033 Marburg, Germany. meyer_eye@yahoo.com
Rodrigues
Eduardo B
EB
D000818:Animals; D001485:Basement Membrane / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D004396:Coloring Agents; D019773:Epiretinal Membrane / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007208:Indocyanine Green; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013552:Swine
D004396:Coloring Agents; D007208:Indocyanine Green