Abstract
ObjectiveTo describe an optimized surgical technique for feline vitrectomy which reduces bleeding and aids posterior gel clearance in order to facilitate stem cell delivery to the inner retina using cellular scaffolds.ProceduresThree-port pars plana vitrectomies were performed in six-specific pathogen-free domestic cats using an optimized surgical technique to improve access and minimize severe intraoperative bleeding.ResultsThe surgical procedure was successfully completed in all six animals. Lens sparing vitrectomy resulted in peripheral lens touch in one of three animals but without cataract formation. Transient bleeding from sclerotomies, which was readily controlled, was seen in two of the six animals. No cases of vitreous hemorrhage, severe postoperative inflammation, retinal detachment, or endophthalmitis were observed during postoperative follow-up.ConclusionsThree-port pars plana vitrectomy can be performed successfully in the cat in a safe and controlled manner when the appropriate precautions are taken to minimize the risk of developing intraoperative hemorrhage. This technique may facilitate the use of feline models of inner retinal degeneration for the development of stem cell transplantation techniques using cellular scaffolds.
Highlights
Significant advances have recently been made toward the development of stem cell-based therapies that target conditions affecting the inner retina, such as glaucoma
A complete posterior vitrectomy would be necessary in order to facilitate the delivery of the cellular scaffold to the inner retinal surface, ensuring that transplanted scaffolds are closely apposed to the host retina and preventing residual vitreous gel acting as a barrier to cell migration
No cases of vitreous hemorrhage, severe postoperative inflammation, retinal detachment, or endophthalmitis were observed during postoperative follow-up using slit-lamp examination and indirect ophthalmoscopy
Summary
Significant advances have recently been made toward the development of stem cell-based therapies that target conditions affecting the inner retina, such as glaucoma. Intravitreal cell injections into the small rodent eye achieve close apposition of cells to the inner retinal surface due to the large crystalline lens and small volume of vitreous (Fig. 1a). Advances in tissue engineering may help to address this issue, with current work evaluating the potential application of cellular scaffolds to deliver retinal progenitor cells to the subretinal space.[2] a complete posterior vitrectomy would be necessary in order to facilitate the delivery of the cellular scaffold to the inner retinal surface, ensuring that transplanted scaffolds are closely apposed to the host retina and preventing residual vitreous gel acting as a barrier to cell migration
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