Development of Emulsification-Resistant Silicone Oils: Can We Go Beyond 2000 mPas Silicone Oil?

PURPOSE: To develop new blends of emulsification-resistant silicone oil based on high molecular weight (HMW) silicone oil for use as an endotamponade in vitreoretinal surgery. METHODS: Viscosity and elasticity of various silicone oil blends (Siluron 1000, Siluron 2000, Siluron 5000, 7% HMW + Siluron 1000, 10% HMW + Siluron 1000, and 15% HMW + Siluron 1000; Fluoron GmbH, Ulm, Germany) were measured using a piezoelectric axial vibrator. Emulsification was induced using a sonication device. Pluronic 10%, plasma, and serum were used as emulsifiers. The emulsion area was photographed and measured using ImageJ software (developed by Wayne Rasband, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD; available at http://rsb.info.nih.gov/ij/index.html). RESULTS: Viscosity increased proportionally to HMW concentrations. Fluid elasticity was optimum using 10% HMW. Emulsification was at a minimum when using 10% or 15% HMW blends. CONCLUSIONS: A new silicone oil-based tamponade was developed with a viscosity similar to Siluron 5000 (at 37°C) but with significantly less emulsification tendency than Siluron 5000 or Siluron 2000. HMW concentration increases the fluid elasticity, thereby reducing the emulsification tendency.