NITINOL FLEX LOOP-ASSISTED RETRIEVAL AND SUTURELESS INTRASCLERAL REFIXATION OF A DISLOCATED INTRAOCULAR LENS IMPLANT.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To describe a novel use of the flexible nitinol loop membrane scraper (FINESSE Flex loop; Alcon, Fort Worth, TX) for rescue and refixation of a dislocated intraocular lens (IOL).

METHODS

A 27-gauge nitinol flex loop was used to lasso each haptic of a dislocated 3-piece IOL. By retracting the loop, the haptic could be effectively locked to the instrument and externalized through a scleral tunnel, thereby fixating it to the sclera in a sutureless fashion.

RESULTS

A 50-year-old man presented with a posteriorly dislocated Sensar AR40e IOL (Abbott Medical Optics, Inc; Santa Barbara, CA) and retained lens material after a complicated cataract surgery in the left eye. His visual acuity was counting fingers at face. The patient underwent 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with successful rescue and refixation of the IOL using the nitinol flex loop. One week postoperatively, his visual acuity had improved to 20/40.

CONCLUSION

The nitinol flex loop may be used to lasso the haptics of a dislocated IOL and refixate it using a sutureless intrascleral fixation technique. This instrument may be a safer alternative compared with forceps for retrieving posteriorly dislocated IOLs that are sitting on the retinal surface.