Variations in accuracy, residual volume seen in syringes used for intravitreal injections
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SEATTLE — A laboratory study showed significant variation in accuracy and residual volume among syringes commonly used for intravitreal injections and evaluated the risk for high IOP elevation with higher than anticipated fluid volumes.
“Our findings provide evidence for a potential increase in the risk of side effects such as exaggerated IOP elevation and wastage of expensive medications,” Gustavo Barreto de Melo, MD, PhD, FASRS, said at the American Society of Retina Specialists annual meeting.
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Eight syringe models, two needle models, two fluid solutions and two target volumes were used, and eight possible combinations were tested for each syringe. In addition, an experimental eye model was created to determine the effect of the injected volumes on IOP rise. Volumes from 20 µL to 80 µL were injected.
The residual volume data showed significant variation across syringes, with one syringe reaching up to 50 µL of residual volume in the dead space. The effective injected volume data showed a tendency toward overdelivery with most syringes.
“Most of them led to an overall excess volume of 10 µL ... and some syringes reached up to 20% additional volume,” Melo said. “The IOP data shows that the stepwise increase in volume delivered led to an incremental and proportional increase in IOP that lasted up to 28 minutes.”
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Melo GB, et al. Accuracy and residual volume of commonly used syringes for intravitreal injection and the impact on intraocular pressure. Presented at: American Society of Retina Specialists annual meeting; July 28-Aug. 1, 2023; Seattle.
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