Physical effects of reuse and repeated ethylene oxide sterilization on transscleral cyclophotocoagulation laser G-probes.

PURPOSE: The authors documented the physical effects of reuse and repeated ethylene oxide sterilization on transscleral cyclophotocoagulation laser G-probes.

METHODS

Transscleral cyclophotocoagulation was performed using G-probes on fresh porcine eyes. Each of two G-probes was used for four transscleral cyclophotocoagulation procedures, with three cycles of ethylene oxide sterilization in between. The power output from the G-probes was measured by a laser output meter before and after each transscleral cyclophotocoagulation procedure. The G-probes were also examined under a slit lamp for signs of physical damage.

RESULTS

Repeated use of the G-probe in transscleral cyclophotocoagulation, with ethylene oxide sterilization in between, resulted in an average decrease of 3% in laser energy delivered per repeated cycle of use up to the fourth cycle. No signs of physical damage were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Laser G-probes remain functional after repeated use and ethylene oxide resterilization for up to four cycles. No visible physical damage to the probes was identified. It is safe and cost-effective to reuse G-probe for transscleral cyclophotocoagulation with ethylene oxide sterilization, provided the surgeon stays alert for signs of probe damage. This alertness should be retained regardless of whether new or old G-probes are used.