Abstract
Purpose :
Posterior uveitis, both infectious and non-infectious, is a potentially vision-threatening condition caused by systemic inflammatory states. This survey was conducted to 1) better understand the current practice patterns in this patient population and 2) evaluate the interest and likelihood of use of a novel vitreous biopsy device (VBD) for use in an office-based setting. The VBD is designed to safely aspirate 0.25 - 0.4mL of vitreous within 30 seconds in an office-based setting.
Methods :
A questionnaire was designed to survey retina and uveitis specialists who treat endophthalmitis and posterior uveitis and gather information on their diagnostic and treatment protocols. The questionnaire consisted of a 12-minute internet survey with 24 questions. The questionnaire focused on practice patterns relating to acquisition of ocular fluid, diagnostic tests used, culture outcomes, and potential interest in using a novel VBD.
Results :
We received 77 completed surveys from 34 retinal specialists, 16 uveitis specialists, and 27 retinal and uveitis specialists. On average, each specialist saw 174 patients annually with suspected endophthalmitis or uveitis.
Currently, vitreous samples are acquired 32% of the time with a needle and syringe in the office and 15% of the time in the OR. With availability of the VBD, physicians stated they would use the VBD in 30% of endophthalmitis/uveitis cases, they would acquire vitreous more often (5% increase), and for obtaining vitreous samples they would decrease the use of needle and syringe in the office by 39% and frequency of going to the OR by 57%.
Overall, the participants appreciated the ease of use of the VBD, that the device fits within current clinical workflow, the sterile single-use package, and increased efficacy of acquiring vitreous. Concerns raised by the participants included verification of safety, cost, and reimbursement.
Conclusions :
Overall, access to a novel vitreous biopsy device (VBD) for use in an office-based setting will improve clinical efficiency and reduce cost by facilitating acquisition of vitreous in an office-based setting. In conclusion, VBD may lead to more rapid and definitive diagnosis as well as improved visual outcomes in patients with uveitis.
This abstract was presented at the 2022 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Denver, CO, May 1-4, 2022, and virtually.