Strength of the chorioretinal adhesion after the application of different modes of high-frequency electric current welding through suprachoroidal accesses

Abstract

PURPOSE

To determine the strength of the chorioretinal adhesion after exposure to monopolar high-frequency electric current welding with suprachoroidal accesses.

METHODS

The study was performed on 52 rabbits (104 eyes) of the chinchilla breed weighing 2.5–3 kg and aged 7–9 months, which were divided into 4 groups according to exposure modes. Rabbits of the first three groups were subjected to coagulation of the choroid through the suprachoroidal access using a monopolar high-frequency electric current. Rabbits of the first group (16 rabbits, 32 eyes) coagulation was performed with a current with a voltage of 10–12 V; the second group (16 rabbits, 32 eyes) – with a voltage of 12–14 V; the third group (16 rabbits, 32 eyes) – with a voltage of 14–16 V. The frequency of alternating current was 66 kHz, the current strength was 0.1 A. The fourth (control) group consisted of 4 intact rabbits (8 eyes), in which the strength of the chorioretinal adhesions without surgery.

RESULTS

After the use of local suprachoroidal high-frequency electric welding with a frequency of 66 kHz using three voltage modes, the strength of chorioretinal adhesion was significantly higher compared with chorioretinal adhesion on the intact retina (control group).In the early post-exposure period (up to 2 weeks), when using the 10-12 V, the strength of the chorioretinal junctions was higher compared to the other higher voltage parameters (12-14 V, 14-16 V) . A month after the suprachoroid electric welding was conducted, no significant difference was indicated between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

HFECW represents an alternative retinopexy in retinal detachment. Obtaining a strong chorioretinal adhesion in a short time (within the first day) after surgery, which will gain additional strength during the next weeks and Avoid the use of endotamponade unlike the laser coagulation.