Abstract
Purpose :
Subretinal injections are increasing in frequency for vitreoretinal gene therapy. We determined whether reflux into the vitreous from the injection could be detected by optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging.
Methods :
A cannula (100 µm OD, 50 µm ID) was introduced through a 23-gauge trocar into the vitreous cavity of fresh ex-vivo porcine eyes. Balanced salt solution (15 µl) containing varying concentrations of microgold (1 μm, Nanopartz, Inc.) was injected subretinally into each eye by a pump (11 Pico Plus Elite programmable syringe pump, Harvard Apparatus). The eyes were then imaged with an 870 nm spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) retinal probe (Bioptigen, Inc.).
Results :
Subretinal blebs were successfully produced. Hyper-reflective particles within the vitreous cavity emanating from the bleb were detectable with OCT imaging. However, even with full-strength of microgold (1.6E+09 particles/ml), signal was not detected under the subretinal bleb itself. Visualization of the reflux was clearly visible at a dilution of 4E+08 particles/ml, but was rarely detectable at a dilution of 2E+08 particles/ml.
Conclusions :
Reflux from subretinal injections labeled with microgold is detectable by 870 nm OCT which may be useful in guiding delivery.
This is a 2020 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.