Removal of massive subretinal organized blood clot with fragmatome

Taiwan J Ophthalmol. 2021 Mar 9;11(4):395-397. doi: 10.4103/tjo.tjo_64_20. eCollection 2021 Oct-Dec.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to describe using fragmatome in removing subretinal organized blood clot in eyes of age-related macular degeneration and massive subretinal hemorrhage. This study was an interventional, consecutive case series. Patients with massive subretinal hemorrhage with total or subtotal retinal detachment from age-related macular degeneration and organized subretinal blood clot were managed by creating large retinectomy. The less organized blood was removed with vitrector. The subretinal organized blood clot was removed by fragmatome. The retina was reattached with perfluorocarbon liquid, and laser was applied at the margin of retinectomy. Silicon oil was infused at the end of surgery. All patients had subretinal blood totally or subtotally removed. The organized blood clot, which was difficult to be removed by vitrector was easily and efficiently removed by fragmatome. Visual acuity improved in all eyes, and retina was well attached under silicon oil. Fragmatome offers a more efficient way in removing organized blood clot, which will much shorten the duration of operation.

Keywords: Exudative age-related macular degeneration; fragmatome; organized blood clot.