Diamond-dusted silicone cannula for epiretinal membrane separation during vitreous surgery.

Purpose: To report a diamond-dusted silicone cannula as a tool for membrane separation during vitreous surgery.

Methods: A diamond-dusted silicone cannula was fashioned from flexible silicone tubing with a beveled tip and coated with diamond fragments for use during vitreous surgery.

Results: The instrument was used successfully in seven eyes with idiopathic macular hole and was found to be particularly useful for removing residual vitreous cortex and epiretinal membranes from around the hole. It was also effective in removing "immature membranes" in three eyes with proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

Conclusion: The diamond-dusted silicone cannula is a useful tool for removing thin epiretinal membranes and vitreous cortex that may be difficult or nearly impossible to remove safely using other techniques.