Dr. CHAITRA JAYADEV

, Dr.AKHILA S, Dr. THIRUMALESH M. B., DR. HARDIK NANAVATI

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the propensity of aerosol and droplet generation during vitreoretinal surgery amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. In an experimental set up, various steps of vitreoretinal surgery were performed on enucleated goat eyes. During intravitreal injection, insertion of cannulas, lensectomy and vitrectomy with both 23 and 25-gauge instruments, with either valved or non valved cannulas, aerosols were not visualized. Under higher air pressure, with reused valved and fresh non-valved cannulas, aerosol generation showed a trajectory 0.4 to 0.67m with droplet size of 200 microns. While removing cannulas or suturing under active air infusion (35 mmHg and above) aerosols were noted. Based on the above experiments, vitrectomy during COVID-19 appears to be relatively safe. Some recommendations include use of valved cannulas, avoiding passive FAE or to direct the exit port away from the surgeon and assistant, and to maintain air pressure less than or equal to 30 mmHg.