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Dissociation possible during removal, exchange of sustained-release implant
Dissociation was a common occurrence during the exchange or removal of a sustained-release fluocinolone acetonide implant, according to a study.
The retrospective study included 27 exchange or removal procedures performed in 20 eyes of 19 patients involving the Retisert/Envision implant (Bausch + Lomb). Patients had received the implant for the treatment of noninfectious uveitis.
Study results showed dissociation of the implant strut from the drug-containing cup during surgery in 11 eyes (40.7%). Retrieval of the dislocated cup was associated with one case of posterior retinal tear and one case of limited suprachoroidal hemorrhage.
Duration of the implant’s presence in the eye correlated strongly with cup dissociation. Dissociated cups were in the eye a mean 47.4 months, and intact implants were in the eye a mean 32.5 months; the difference was statistically significant (P = .0032).
Intraoperative implant dissociation was not associated with long-term or short-term vision loss, the study authors said.