In vivo cannulation of retinal blood vessels has not been reported but would be useful in exploring local vascular parameters and new treatment modalities. We developed a microsurgical technique for cannulating rabbit and cat retinal vessels, using glass micropipettes with curved shanks made from standard capillary tubing. The micropipette was held by a micromanipulator, which was fitted with a fiberoptic sleeve for intraocular illumination and for micropipette tip protection during insertion through the sclera. Direct aspiration from and injection into retinal blood vessels were possible.
Early postoperative intraocular pressure elevation (IOP) is less common after 180-degree than after 360-degree argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT). We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 38 patients treated with 360-degree ALT and perioperative 1% apraclonidine, and those of 39 patients treated with 180-degree ALT without apraclonidine, to determine whether apraclonidine offset the increased risk of transient pressure elevation following 360-degree treatment, as compared with that after 180-degree therapy. The average IOP change and the frequency of pressure elevations at 1 hour, 1 day, and 1 month postoperatively were similar in the two groups. With respect to early postoperative IOP elevation, 360degree ALT with perioperative apraclonidine appears to be as safe as 180-degree ALT without apraclonidine.
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