Preventing Iatrogenic Retinal Breaks in Cutter-Associated Traction from Chronic Vitreous Hemorrhage (CATCH)

Abstract

Background and objective: To describe an under-recognized complication in the surgical management of dense, nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage, specifically, the development of iatrogenic retinal breaks as a result of cutter-associated traction.

Study design/patients and methods: Review of surgical cases with cutter-associated traction from chronic vitreous hemorrhage (CATCH).

Results: Cutter-associated traction from chronic vitreous hemorrhage is a commonly encountered surgical entity that may result in complications such as iatrogenic retinal breaks, including giant retinal tears. These complications can be minimized or potentially avoided through the use of open sclerotomies or potentially mixed-gauge vitrectomy.

Conclusion: Careful surgical planning in cases of dense or chronic vitreous hemorrhage is required to prevent cutter-associated tractional retinal breaks. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2022;53:584-585.].