Eckardt Forceps Tip Widening for the Removal of Posterior Intraocular Foreign Bodies Bigger Than 1 mm

Abstract

Purpose: To propose a new technique with an "old" tool to allow for better intraocular foreign body (IOFB) grasping and manipulation during mininvasive vitreoretinal surgery.Methods: The authors report herein their technique on seven eyes, diagnosed with posterior IOFBs, in which the surgery consisted of a 23-gauge vitrectomy, using, for IOFB grasping, a Grieshaber DSP 23-gauge Eckardt forceps, properly modified intraoperatively. Such result was achieved by enlarging the forceps opening bite, according to the IOFB size.Results: In all patients, IOFBs were removed using the modified 23-gauge Grieshaber Eckardt forceps. In 6 cases, a combined phacovitrectomy was performed, and the IOFB expressed through the corneal phacoincision; in one phakic patient, the removal was performed through the sclerotomy, extended just as needed. Conclusion:The Grieshaber Eckardt forceps commonly used in MIVS can be used in IOFB surgery for a scleral or corneal removal. In case of IOFB bigger than 1 mm, enlarging the forceps bite according the IOFB size provides a firm and safe grip, allowing the surgeon to complete the surgery without switching to bigger and more traumatic instrumentation, reducing collateral damage and shortening the surgery time.RETINA 43:148-151, 2023Scan code to view VIDEOFrom the *