A small study reported in Ophthalmology describes the use of autologous heparinized blood for use in staining the ILM.  The authors describe the use of heparinized blood to identify the ILM and were successful in all cases to achieve anatomic success.  Vision improved in all cases as well.

In the study, 32 eyes of 29 patients were included for repair of stage II-IV idiopathic macular holes.  Blood was used to coat the retinal surface after vitrectomy.  Excess blood was removed.  The blood stained the ILM nicely enough for easy identification and removal.

Most importantly, there were no signs of toxicity.  Concerns regarding ICG toxicity have evolved over the past several years.  Heparinized blood may be a cost-effective alternative to ICG dye and trypan blue (dyes used currently for staining ILM usually in macular hole surgery).

Randall V. Wong, M.D.
www.RetinaEyeDoctor.com ^[1]
Retina Specialist