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Biomedical subjects

Dante J Pieramici

Publications and source records attributed to Dante J Pieramici.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

A new 25-gauge instrument system for transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To introduce and evaluate the infusion and aspiration rates and operative times of the 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy system (TSV) DESIGN: In vitro experimental and comparative interventional study. PARTICIPANTS AND CONTROLS: Twenty eyes of 20 patients underwent a variety of vitreoretinal procedures using the 25-gauge TSV, including idiopathic epiretinal membrane (n = 10), macular hole (n = 4), rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (n = 3), branch retinal vein occlusion (n = 2), diabetic vitreous hemorrhage (n = 1), and 20 cases similar in diagnosis and severity were matched to provide comparison between duration of individual portions of the surgical procedures with the existing 20-gauge vitrectomy system. METHODS: Description of the 25-gauge TSV is provided; infusion and aspiration rates of the 25-gauge and standard 20-gauge vitrectomy system were measured in vitro using balanced saline solution and porcine vitreous for several levels of aspirating power and bottle height, and operating times of individual portions of surgical procedures were measured for the 25-gauge and 20-gauge vitrectomy system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Infusion, aspiration rates, and operative times of the 20-gauge and 25-gauge vitrectomy system. RESULTS: Infusion and aspiration rates of the 25-gauge TSV system were reduced by an average of 6.9 and 6.6 times, respectively, compared with the 20-gauge system when balanced saline solution was used. The average flow rate of the Storz 25-gauge cutter (at 500 mmHg, 1500 cuts per minute [cpm]) was 40% greater than that of the 20-gauge pneumatic cutter (at 250 mmHg, 750 cpm) but about 2.3 times less than the 20-gauge high-speed cutter (at 250 mmHg, 1500 cpm). Mean total operative time was significantly greater for the 20-gauge high-speed cutter (26 minutes, 7 seconds) than for the 25-gauge vitrectomy system (17 minutes, 17 seconds) (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Although the infusion and aspiration rates of the 25-gauge instruments are lower than those for the 20-gauge high-speed vitrectomy system, the use of 25-gauge TVS may effectively reduce operative times of select cases that do not require the full capability of conventional vitrectomy.

Diabetes Complications↗

Evaluation of patients with ocular trauma.

When confronted with the ocular trauma patient, the initial evaluation always begins with the assessment of the patient. Once it has been determined that the patient is stable, and other serious nonocular injuries have been addressed, a thorough medical/surgical history is taken followed by a more focused ocular history. Key elements include prior surgery, trauma, and any previously existing eye disease. A full examination is carried out in a methodical and rational fashion, beginning with gross external inspection. Visual acuity is measured in each eye independently. Optic nerve function is assessed by testing for a relative afferent pupillary defect, performing gross confrontational visual field testing, identifying any relative difference in subjective brightness perception, and checking color vision. If appropriate, the IOP is measured and a careful slit lamp examination is performed, combined with dilated indirect ophthalmoscopy. Obvious open globe injury can often be appreciated with a simple penlight examination. Uncooperative patients should be examined under anesthesia in a controlled, monitored setting involving experienced critical care personnel. Additional information may be obtained utilizing ancillary testing (primarily CT and ultrasonography). If the combination of clinical findings and ancillary testing is still not definitive, then formal exploration under anesthesia in the operating room in recommended. Photodocumentation is recommended whenever feasible. Figs. 1-14 provide an overview of many of the points stressed above.

Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological↗

Vitreoretinal trauma.

During the last two decades, vitreous surgical techniques have become more refined, so it is now unusual that an eye cannot be saved, even following very severe ocular injury. This article reviews some of the more recent advances in the understanding and management of posterior segment complications of mechanical injury.

Eye Injuries↗