"Finger-tip" cryoprobe assisted enucleation

Am J Ophthalmol. 2005 Mar;139(3):559-61. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2004.09.015.

Abstract

Purpose: To report the use of a new cryotherapy probe to induce proptosis during enucleation surgery.

Design: Interventional case report.

Methods: Two patients with uveal melanoma and secondary glaucoma were treated by enucleation. A large surface area (70 mm(2)), spatulated, end-freezing cryotherapy probe ("Finger-tip" probes, MIRA, Inc.) was used to induce proptosis during optic nerve transsection.

Results: This new probe offers homogeneous freezing over a relatively large surface area. This new cryoprobe was used to create a large cryo-adhesion on the cornea, for an excellent purchase of the eye during enucleation surgery. Using this adhesion, the eye was lifted, enabling transsection of the optic nerve.

Conclusions: This report includes photographs of the cryoprobe, the corneal cryo-adhesion, and describes its use for traction during enucleation surgery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cryotherapy / instrumentation*
  • Eye Enucleation / methods*
  • Glaucoma / surgery
  • Humans
  • Melanoma / surgery
  • Optic Nerve / surgery
  • Uveal Neoplasms / surgery