New system of intraocular instruments. I. Guillotine intraocular forceps.

A four-instrument system of 20-gauge, rustproof intraocular forceps can be used in conjunction with pars plana vitrectomy to (1) extract intraocular foreign bodies, (2) manipulate intraocular tissue and a dislocated pseudophakos, and (3) obtain biopsy specimens of vitreous gel and abnormal preretinal and epiretinal membranes. The forceps can also be used as an intraocular needleholder for transvitreal suturing of selected giant retinal tear flaps. These instruments are lightweight and sturdy and use a guillotine action and a new barrel-handle design. To facilitate introduction and use through a pars plana approach, the various jaw faces are angled 135 degrees from the long axis. Prototype models have been used successfully in numerous and varied clinical applications.