Saika S, Yamanaka A, Yamanaka A, Minamide A, Kin K, Shirai K, Tanaka S, Kawashima Y, Katoh T, Okada Y, Ohkawa K, Ohnishi Y
Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical College, Japan.
Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 1998 Mar;236(3):196-201. doi: 10.1007/s004170050064.
Bleeding into the subretinal space in the vicinity of the macula is associated with age-related macular degeneration or retinal arterial macroaneurysm. The prognosis for restoration of vision is poor in the presence of blood clots.
Using a simple device composed of three disposable syringes we injected tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) into the subretinal space during conventional vitrectomy in six patients to assist the draining of subretinal clots.
Four of six patients recovered their visual acuity postoperatively, while visual acuity in the other patients was stabilized.
Early drainage of subretinal hemorrhage assisted by the introduction of tPA into the subretinal space led to uncomplicated surgery and favorable postoperative results.
