Dr. Rajeev Muni, a vitreoretinal surgeon at St. Michael’s, has developed a revolutionary, minimally invasive technique to repair retinal detachment without requiring incisions or invasive surgery.
Named suprachoroidal viscopexy (SCVEXY), this new approach was described in a study published in JAMA Ophthalmology.
The technique could result in faster healing times, allowing patients to resume daily activities and work almost immediately.
The Problem of Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is a serious medical emergency in which the retina, a sensitive tissue layer at the back of the eye, separates from its normal position.
It causes symptoms like sudden changes in vision, including floaters, flashes, blurred vision, and reduced peripheral vision. If not treated promptly, retinal detachment can lead to irreversible vision loss.
Current treatments often require invasive surgical procedures or procedures like pneumatic retinopexy, which still require significant lifestyle adjustments post-procedure.
The New Technique: SCVEXY
The SCVEXY technique involves injecting a viscoelastic gel into the suprachoroidal space in the eye. This creates an indentation where the retina is torn, effectively sealing the tear.
The result is a reattached retina in less than 24 hours, according to the study.
Advantages
Minimally Invasive: The procedure doesn’t require incisions, making it suitable for an in-office setting.
Fast Recovery: Patients may be able to return to normal activities almost immediately post-procedure.
Improved Retinal Integrity: By avoiding fluid drainage and large gas bubbles, the technique may provide a more robust retinal attachment.
Next Steps
Dr. Muni and his team plan to continue performing the procedure on more patients to gain experience in various clinical scenarios.
They have also filed a patent application for a device that would make it easier to inject the viscoelastic substance.
Conclusion
SCVEXY could be a game-changer in the treatment of retinal detachment, offering a less invasive, faster, and potentially more effective treatment option.
Dr. Muni said, “We have spent the last 10 years trying to find better ways to reattach the retina as close as possible to its original position.
This is a new in-office technique where patients may be able to have their retina attached without an incision, a gas bubble injection or strict positioning, potentially allowing them to return to all their usual activities almost immediately.”
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The study was published in JAMA Ophthalmology.
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