Nylon Suture Snare for Intraocular Foreign Body Removal: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: To describe an improved snare technique for the removal of an intraocular foreign body (IOFB) from the posterior segment.

METHODS

The snare is fashioned from a 23 or 25-gauge blunt-tipped cannula, a 5-0 or 6-0 nylon suture, and a cotton-tipped applicator. The snare is introduced through a 23 or 25-gauge vitrectomy port and tightened around the IOFB, maintaining a closed system. The IOFB can be extracted from the eye by pulling the cannula and extending the circumferential sclerotomy.

RESULTS

Four cases of IOFBs were treated using the improved nylon suture snare technique. Three of the four were traumatic open-globe injuries with retained IOFB, for which the snare technique was suitable for removal of the object. In the fourth case, the snare technique was used to remove a posteriorly dislocated silicone intraocular lens optic. No cases of postoperative retinal detachments or endophthalmitis were observed.

CONCLUSION

This snare is fashioned from readily available, inexpensive materials and provides a safe and reliable method for IOFB removal through the vitrectomy port. By maintaining a closed system during IOFB mobilization and removal, the view through the cornea remains stable and intraocular pressure remains constant. Moreover, the snare can grasp irregularly shaped or large IOFBs.