The stability of perfluoro-N-octane during vitreoretinal procedures
R. D. Bourke, R. N. Simpson, R. J. Cooling and J. R. Sparrow
Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, England.
OBJECTIVES: To examine the propensity for intraoperative procedures, such
as endolaser, to generate polar impurities in perfluorocarbon liquids,
either by degradation of the compound or by dissolution of materials
contacting the liquid, given the value of these liquids as adjuncts to
vitreoretinal procedures and the importance of using pure and inert liquid.
METHODS: Perfluoro-N-octane liquid recovered from patients after
vitreoretinal procedures was analyzed by gas chromatography, nuclear
magnetic resonance, ultraviolet spectroscopy, and a cell proliferation
assay. Similar analyses were performed on pure and impure
perfluoro-N-octane exposed in vitro to superclinical energy levels of argon
and YAG laser, endodiathermy, and endoillumination. RESULTS: No change in
chemical structure and only minor (parts per million) increases in
dissolved contaminants were observed. The perfluoro-N-octane liquid
retained its inertness as indicated by the inability of fibroblasts to
attach and proliferate on its surface. CONCLUSION: The structure and
biologic inactivity of perfluoro-N-octane are unaffected by vitreoretinal
surgical manipulations.
