Intraoperative breakage of 20-gauge Tano forceps.
OBJECTIVE
To report three cases with breakage of a 20-gauge kryptonite forceps during vitreoretinal surgery.


METHODS
Interventional case report.


METHODS
Pars plana vitrectomy that included a membrane peeling was performed in three patients through standard ports with 20-gauge vitrectomy systems. The peeling procedure was attempted with the end-gripping kryptonite forceps.


RESULTS
Intraoperatively, the branch/tip broke and dropped onto the posterior pole. Removal of the broken part was uncomplicated, and the subsequent clinical course was unremarkable. In one case, the handle and branch/tip part were exchanged inadvertently. In the other two cases, neither an exchange nor a maladaptation of the parts was noted.


CONCLUSIONS
An exchange of the hand piece and gripping end may increase the risk of breakage and retinal damage. The delicate gripping tips, however, may break because of inadequate maintenance and/or aging of the material. Intraoperative visual and functional examination is recommended before intraocular use.
Bartz-Schmidt
Karl U
KU
Department of Ophthalmology I, Division of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Eberhard-Karls University of Tuebingen, Schleichstrasse 12-16, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
El-Araj
Ihab
I
Gelisken
Faik
F
Reinthal
Eva
E
Ziemssen
Focke
F
Eter
Nicole
N
Holz
Frank G
FG
Grisanti
Salvatore
S
D019773:Epiretinal Membrane / Q000601:surgery; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005129:Eye Foreign Bodies / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D008297:Male; D008670:Metals; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000295:instrumentation; D008875:Middle Aged; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014821:Vitrectomy
D008670:Metals