Reduction of pegaptanib loss during intravitreal delivery using an oblique injection technique.
OBJECTIVE
To develop an injection technique that reduces drug loss occurring due to reflux and consequent subconjunctival bleb formation after standard intravitreal pegaptanib injection.


METHODS
Prospective interventional case series report. The 27-gauge needle is inserted obliquely via pars plana to create a valved wound. The rate of subconjunctival bleb formation is evaluated performing ultrasound biomicroscopy, (1/2)h after intravitreal drug delivery comparing standard (straight)with this new described injection technique (oblique) using Fisher's exact test.


RESULTS
Eyes on which oblique injection technique was performed developed significantly less subconjunctival bleb than those treated with the standard technique. The rate of injection-related complications (retinal detachment, vitreous haemorrhage, traumatic cataract, and endophthalmitis) in our small series was similar between both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of this technique can result in reduced drug loss after intravitreal pegaptanib injection. Larger studies are needed to determine if the rate of complications associated with intravitreal injections, especially endophthalmitis, is lowered with this technique.
Lopez-Guajardo
L
L
Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain. llguajardo@icam.es
Del Valle
F G
FG
Moreno
J P
JP
Teus
M A
MA
D000818:Animals; D052157:Aptamers, Nucleotide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001768:Blister / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D033401:Microscopy, Acoustic; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012590:Sclera / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013552:Swine; D014822:Vitreous Body
D052157:Aptamers, Nucleotide; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; C495058:pegaptanib