Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) researchers have invented a glass rod microdevice that
should improve the outcomes of such surgeries. The ORNL invention has several versions. It can feature
a cannula, a small, reed-like tube, that is attached to an array of glass microrods arranged on a base. In
another version, the array of glass microrods can include one rod that has a sharp, barb-like feature. The
glass microrods are spaced 5 to 40 microns apart on a base that has a circular or multifaceted geometry.
In the ORNL-devised method, the surgeon first measures the thickness of the scar tissue, using either
optical coherence tomography or Heidelberg retinal tomography. The glass rod microdevice is then
crafted to the requirements of the individual patient, with the microrods cut to a length less than or
equal to the thickness of the scar tissue.
To use the microdevice, the surgeon inserts the cannula or the barb and then applies
the microrod array to the scar tissue in a manner similar to applying Velcro®. When the
array is removed, so is the tissue. The array is capable of removing a large area of scar
tissue to a desirable depth.
Advantages
- Reduces the chance of hemorrhage along the internal retinal surface during surgery
- Reduces the chance of significant bleeding from damaging an underlying blood vessel during surgery
- Reduces postoperative complications
- Can engage and remove to a desirable depth a large area of scar tissue.
Potential Applications
- Surgical removal of retinal scar tissue.
More info: Gregory C. Flickinger, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 865-241-9485, flickingergc@ornl.gov
