An Intraocular Balloon for Silicone Oil Implantation

This study reports 14 patients who presented proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) at stages III to IV, as well as ora dialysis or large retinal breaks of such extent that it was evident that implanted silicone oil would penetrate behind the retina. We used a latex balloon catheter, which was introduced in aphakic eyes into the vitreous cavity, following pars plana vitrectomy and removal of pre- and sometimes subretinal membranes. Under direct observation, the balloon was filled with silicone oil until the balloon occupied the entire globe while the intravitreal and subretinal fluid was drained. Subsequently, the balloon was punctured at the opposite side of the scleral incision so that the silicone oil could drain into the vitreous cavity. The balloon was then slowly withdrawn from the eye. Complications were pre- and subretinal hemorrhages, retinal dialysis behind (2X) and vis-à-vis (4X) the incision. In none of the cases was silicone oil observed to have penetrated behind the retina.