Quantification of intraocular retained perfluorodecalin after macroscopic complete removal

Abstract 

· Background: A study was performed to determine the amount of intraocular retained perfluorodecalin after macroscopic complete removal. · Material and methods: Freshly enucleated pig eyes had the anterior segment removed, vitrectomy was carried out, and the eye cups were placed in 0.9% buffered saline solution. One millilitre of perfluorodecalin was instilled for 30 min, followed by a fluid-air exchange. Perfluorodecalin was macroscopically removed. The retina was rinsed twice with 0.9% buffered saline solution. In a second group no rinsing was done, while in a third group no fluid-air exchange was performed. Finally all eye cups were filled with 2.0 ml of the perfluoropolyether Hostinert 130 to dissolve retained perfluorodecalin. The quantity of perfluorodecalin in perfluoropolyether was determined by gas chromatography. · Results: Retained perfluorodecalin was detected in all experiments. The smallest portion of perfluorodecalin retained (range 0.04–0.08, mean 0.058%, SD ±0.015%) was observed without fluid-air exchange. After fluid-air exchange the portion with rinsing was 0.11–0.27% (mean 0.21%, SD ±0.059%) and that without rinsing was 0.51–0.69% (mean 0.60%, SD ±0.065%). · Conclusions: Even after macroscopic complete removal of perfluorodecalin a thin layer remains on the retina. If intraoperative fluid-gas exchange is necessary, multiple rinsing with 0.9% buffered saline solution should be performed to reduce the amount of perfluorocarbon liquid retained.