Texas Retina’s Rene Choi, MD, PhD, recently developed a novel surgical technique for addressing submacular hemorrhages associated with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and published a case report in the latest issue of the journal Retinal Cases & Brief Reports.
“We continue to push the envelope on surgical innovation, and this new technique helps refine how we handle complex cases to improve vision outcomes,” shares Dr. Choi.
Tackling the Challenges of Treating Submacular Hemorrhages
Submacular hemorrhage is a severe complication of AMD involving bleeding under the retina, which can cause sudden, profound vision loss. While there are existing treatments, they are often limited in patients who have previously undergone panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). PRP is a laser treatment commonly used for diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusions to stop vessel leakage. However, the procedure creates necessary scarring that can tether the retina, making standard techniques to displace submacular hemorrhages ineffective.
In this publication, Dr. Choi details a breakthrough approach for a 73-year-old patient whose extensive scarring from previous PRP ruled out standard options. Dr. Choi utilized a modified vitrectomy technique using tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) to direct the blood toward specific drainage sites (retinotomies), allowing for active aspiration of the hemorrhage. This unique approach successfully resolved the hemorrhage and markedly improved the patient’s visual acuity.
This case highlights how Dr. Choi and Texas Retina Associates continue to push the innovative boundaries of vitreoretinal surgery. By refining how we handle the most complex cases, we are dedicated to finding new solutions that lead to optimal visual outcomes for our patients.
“While I have always been passionate about improving retinal surgical techniques, it goes beyond simply improving a patient’s medical condition,” says Dr. Choi. “It is about restoring their connection to the world through sight.”
Click HERE to access the published case report abstract.
Dr. Choi treats patients at Texas Retina’s Denton and Frisco offices and specializes in vitreoretinal surgery, medical retina, and uveitis.