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Novel device allows safer and faster delivery of intravitreal drugs
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MILAN — A novel device allows for safer and faster delivery of intravitreal drugs, with diminished pain perception and complication rate, according to one surgeon speaking at the Euretina congress.
The InVitria device (FCI Ophthalmics) consists of a polycarbonate cone and a guide tube with a 28° angulation for fixed-depth needle insertion to 5.6 mm. No lid speculum is needed. The device is placed on the eye surface and rotated to position the guide tube at the exact injection site.
Gokulan Ratnarajan
"Through the guide tube, injection is performed easily and precisely, exactly 3.5 mm beyond the limbus, with the right angulation, in a stable, reproducible manner," Gokulan Ratnarajan, MBBS, explained.
A prospective review of 200 age-related macular degeneration patients was presented. The first 100 patients received the injection with a conventional freehand technique, while the second 100 patients received the injection with the aid of the InVitria device.
"More than 50% of the patients found the procedure less painful with the device. Surgeons found the procedure easier, and fewer cases of conjunctival hemorrhage were reported," Ratnarajan said.
Because no drape, lid speculum, caliper and forceps are needed, the use of InVitria also cuts down on the costs of the procedure compared with conventional techniques.
Cost analysis showed a saving of €9.75 per patient when the device was used, which amounted to a saving of €24,375 based on an estimated 2,500 intravitreal injections per year.
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Disclosure: Ratnarajan has no relevant financial disclosures.