Internal limiting membrane handling in macular hole surgery: the infusion direction manipulation and infusion off techniques

Abstract

Objective: Herein, we introduce the infusion direction manipulation technique and the infusion off technique. These relatively simple methods control intra-vitreal fluid flow direction and turbulence and release negative pressure in the microforceps to facilitate handling of the internal limiting membrane. The aim of this study is to introduce an effective and uncomplicated method to handle the internal limiting membrane (ILM) during the temporal inverted ILM flap and free ILM flap techniques in macular hole surgery by controlling the direction and status of the infusion.

Materials and methods: The direction of the infusion flow was controlled with a free finger (usually the 4th finger) during the inverted ILM flap surgery to stabilize the flap location during the fluid-air exchange. A valved trocar was used, and the infusion was discontinued during the free ILM flap surgery. Turbulence was minimized, and negative pressure around the head-shaft junction of the microforceps was released.

Results: The ILM flap remained stable in all patients who underwent macular hole surgery with our technique.

Conclusions: Infusion direction manipulation technique and infusion off technique are efficient and simple methods to handle the ILM during ILM surgery.