Purpose: To evaluate a new technique, 25-gauge transvitreal limited arteriovenous-crossing manipulation without vitrectomy (LAM), for the treatment of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) complicated by macular hemorrhage and/or macular edema recalcitrant to grid laser photocoagulation.
Methods: Twelve eyes of 12 patients underwent LAM for BRVO performed by a single surgeon (M.S.H.) using the 25-gauge nitinol flexible-extendable blunt pick. The presence or absence of intraoperative reperfusion visualization, pre- and postoperative visual acuity, macular thickness as measured by optical coherence tomography, intraocular pressure, and lens status were evaluated.
Results: Restoration of blood flow was noted in all patients and was based on intraoperative reestablishment of a red column of erythrocytes through the previously closed vessel. Mean visual acuity improved from 20/200 (logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution [LogMAR] +/- SD, 1.00 +/- 0.32) preoperatively to 20/70 (LogMAR +/- SD, 0.56 +/- 0.28) (P = 0.0003) at the final visit. Eleven (92%) of 12 eyes had >or=2 lines of visual improvement. Five eyes (45%) had final visual acuity of 20/50 or better. Mean macular thickness +/- SD improved from 401.0 +/- 73.2 to 178.7 +/- 19.6 microm (P < 0.0001) at the final visit. No statistically significant difference was noted in cataract progression or intraocular pressure. Mean follow-up +/- SD was 49.9 +/- 19.6 weeks. All patients were observed for at least 12 weeks.
Conclusion: LAM may achieve outcomes comparable with those of arteriovenous adventitial sheathotomy for complicated BRVO.