Autologous tenon plug and patch in phacoburn

Phacoemulsification Wound Burn and Its Management

Introduction

The production of ultrasonic energy during phacoemulsification is associated with heat generation that could damage ocular tissues, particularly at the corneoscleral wound site.

Case Presentation

This study presents an 89-year-old patient with senile hypermature cataract and Fuchs endothelial dystrophy developing severe thermal corneoscleral injury during phacoemulsification. At presentation, visual acuity was finger count at 40 cm and there was a 1 × 2-mm area of corneal melting at the corneal tunnel with diffuse corneal oedema. After 1 month, a temporal circular corneal patch graft was applied to the corneal burn. A penetrating keratoplasty was performed 16 months after the first surgery.

Conclusion

Corneal surgery, including lamellar patch grafts and full-thickness penetrating grafts, could be used, when necessary, to restore the cornea's integrity. These procedures could eliminate corneal scarring, decrease astigmatism, and improve vision in patients with phacoemulsification burns.

Temperature Change of Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Devices in a Bi-Chamber Set-Up at a Flow of 0 and 20mL/min

Purpose

To understand the role of ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs) in corneal incision contracture (CIC). Specifically, the aim was to evaluate with the tip of the phacoemulsification needle free of OVD, how various OVDs near the tip and sleeve may transmit thermal energy to the incision site.

Methods

A small chamber was filled with balanced saline solution (BSS), and a thin membrane was placed on the surface. OVD was placed atop the membrane. A temperature probe was placed in the OVD, while the handpiece pierced the membrane. The experiment was run both with and without flow and vacuum. Temperature measurements were gathered for each of the OVDs at four separate time points at 0 and 20mL/min flow.

Results

As expected, there was a more pronounced temperature increase in all test groups with no fluid flow. While the temperature increase was not significantly different from BSS for any of the OVDs tested at either 0 or 20mL/min, Viscoat showed the most variable results at both flow settings.

Conclusion

As long as the phaco tip is not in OVD, residual OVD near the incision is not exothermic and so not an additional risk for CIC.

Tenon Patch Graft With Vascularized Conjunctival Flap for Management of Corneal Perforation

PURPOSE

Traumatic paracentral corneal perforations may lead to irregular astigmatism and opacification from lamellar grafts. We present an alternative surgical technique using a Tenon patch graft and a conjunctival flap.

METHODS

A 42-year-old man presented with a 1-mm paracentral corneal perforation 6 weeks after penetrating trauma by a metallic foreign body. A region of Tenon fascia was excised and sutured to cover the perforation, and a conjunctival flap was then created and sutured over this Tenon graft. A bandage contact lens was placed postoperatively. Serial imaging was conducted to document healing including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and slit lamp photography.

RESULTS

At postoperative day 1, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was hand motion, the anterior chamber was formed, and OCT revealed Tenon fascia and conjunctiva covering the defect. By postoperative week 2, the leak resolved and UDVA was 20/30. At postoperative week 4, UDVA improved to 20/20, the Tenon graft was noted to be undergoing contraction, and a single feeder vessel remained prominent in the conjunctival flap. By postoperative month 4, UDVA was 20/25 and only mild paracentral cornea clouding was noted. Initial, focal steepening and thickening normalized by month 4 leaving mild, normal astigmatism. OCT revealed integration of the Tenon graft into the corneal stroma.

CONCLUSIONS

For paracentral corneal perforations, a Tenon patch graft in conjunction with a conjunctival flap may aid healing with favorable postoperative refractive outcomes.

Tenons Patch Graft: A Review of Indications, Surgical Technique, Outcomes and Complications

PURPOSE

Corneal perforations are common corneal emergencies faced by ophthalmologists across the globe. There are multiple modalities of management, most of which require an eye bank support or availability of tissue adhesives. Tenons patch graft (TPG) is a technique that does not depend on these factors as the graft is harvested from the same eye of the patient. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the indications, technique, normal postoperative course, and management of complications.

METHODS

After carrying out a literature search on "tenons capsule", "corneal patch graft", "tenons patch graft", "multilayered amniotic membrane" and "corneal perforations", 28 articles were included for this review.

RESULTS

TPG graft can be performed in cases of small to moderate perforations without active suppuration. The procedure can also be combined with amniotic membrane grafting or tissue adhesives to provide additional tectonic support. Postoperatively, the epithelium heals over a course 2-3 weeks and restoration of a stable ocular surface with a corneal scar is completed by the third postoperative month. Complications following the surgical procedure are rare but can include graft displacement, melt and pseudoectasia. Subsequent visual rehabilitation with contact lenses or keratoplasties can be planned in these eyes that yields good visual outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Tenons patch graft is a simple yet viable option in management of small to moderate corneal perforations. The procedure does not necessitate the prior availability of specialized products and can be performed with routine equipment of an ophthalmic theatre, making it an attractive option in low resource settings.