Perfluorocarbon liquid-assisted membrane staining and peeling technique for macular diseases

Purpose

A surgical technique is described that facilitates membrane peeling in patients with macular diseases by using small amounts of perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) and brilliant blue G (BBG) dye.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

After placing about 1.0-1.5 cc PFCL on the macular area, BBG was applied with a 27-gauge blunt needle at the interface of PFCL and retina. The membrane peeling was performed under PFCL.

Results

The amount of BBG dye with PFCL-assisted staining technique has the potential to be smaller than in conventional staining method. Since the displacement angle of the membrane during peeling procedures is considerably increased by PFCL, combined with its high specific gravity and interfacial tension, the risk of tearing the membrane during manipulation is reduced to a great extent. The postoperative visual function in patients with PFCL-assisted peeling was comparable to that of patients without PFCL-assisted peeling.

Conclusion

The PFCL-assisted technique enables sufficient membrane staining with minimal amounts of BBG dye, with tearing of the epiretinal membrane or internal limiting membrane being less likely than with the conventional method.