AN INFUSION TEMPORARY KERATOPROSTHESIS FOR PARS-PLANA VITRECTOMY

PURPOSE: To develop a temporary keratoprosthesis with integrated infus ion cannula to minimize retinal complications during pars plana vitrec tomy in eyes with an opaque cornea. METHODS: The wide-field temporary keratoprosthesis has been modified to include an integrated infusion c annula. The 20-gauge cannula runs from the periphery of the corneal fl ange, bends 90 degrees, and enters the eye after passing through the p eriphery of the corneal cylinder. RESULTS: The infusion wide-field tem porary keratoprosthesis has been used successfully in three cases with out the need to place a separate infusion, which risks iatrogenic reti nal breaks or retinal dialyses, Droplet condensation on the posterior surface of the infusion temporary keratoprosthesis was reduced compare d with the standard temporary keratoprosthesis. CONCLUSION: We have de veloped a wide-field temporary keratoprosthesis with an integrated inf usion cannula for use during pars plana vitrectomy in eyes with severe corneal opacity. This device eliminates the risk of complications rel ated to the pars plana infusion cannula.