Technique for intraocular foreign body levitation using the 27 gauge nitinol wire.

PURPOSE To describe a novel technique for the levitation of intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) embedded in the vitreous cavity or resting on the surface of the retina.

METHODS Our novel technique was used on one patient with a metallic IOFB embedded in the vitreous cavity of the left eye following a penetrating injury to that eye. The technique revolves around using the nitinol wire of the Finesse loop® to levitate the IOFB from the vitreous cavity instead of the usual instruments used for that purpose such as External electromagnets (EEM), forceps, rare earth intraocular magnets (IOM). The Patient was followed up for 6 months with routine ophthalmic examinations including dilated fundus examination and fundus imaging.

RESULTS 6 months follow-up of the patient showed stable surgical outcomes with no adverse events related to the used technique.

CONCLUSIONS The novel technique for IOFB levitation using the nitinol wire of the Finesse loop® is promising as an easy-to-perform, minimally traumatic alternative to the available techniques especially in cases where magnets cannot be used (eg. Non-metallic IOFBs). Larger samples and longer follow-ups are required to confirm the outcomes of this technique.