A Modified Perfluoro-n-octane-Assisted Autologous Internal Limiting Membrane Transplant for Failed Macular Hole Reintervention: A Case Series

Abstract

The authors describe a modified perfluoro-n-octane (PFO)-assisted autologous internal limiting membrane (ILM) transplantation technique for macular hole (MH) reintervention and present results from a series of 11 patients. The authors harvested a free ILM flap and transplanted it into the MH under a PFO bubble. The time at which PFO is injected, the extent of coverage of PFO, and the sequence of fluid-air exchange (FAE) are crucial to overcome previously described technical difficulties of relieving the flap from forceps, stabilizing the flap into the MH, and prevention of flap dislodgement during FAE. A successful U-shaped closure was observed in 10 of 11 cases (90.9%). One case (9.1%) showed flat open closure. The postoperative visual gain was statistically significant (P = .01). [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2017;48:416-420.].