Experimental application of high-frequency electric welding of biological tissues for iridoplasty and trabeculectomy

Purpose To estimate the possibility of using of high-frequency electric welding of biological tissues for iridoplasty and trabeculectomy in the experiment. Methods In experiment we used devices and instruments made by the original method in the E.O.Paton Electric Welding Institute. Experimental studies in vitro were performed on the isolated porcine eye. After dissection of the iris edges of the cut combined with a bipolar instrument. In the second phase studied the possibility of using the method of high-frequency electric welding (frequency - 66 kHz - 440 kHz) for trabeculectomy with monopolar electrode, which was injected into the anterior chamber through the corneal incision. The second electrode was fixed to the sclera with special clip. For experiment in vivo we used 10 chinchilla rabbits. Morphological studies of the samples were performed. Results We have observed the formation of solid welded connection of cut edges of the iris. In vitro trabecular tissue of the anterior chamber angle was removed using different settings. In vivo during iridoplasty observed minimal changes in the surrounding tissues in the area of electrical effects. It was also noted the formation of solid welded connection of iris edges. In vivo were removed structures of the anterior chamber angle of the rabbit without bleeding complications. Conclusion These results indicate the possibility of using the method of high-frequency electric welding of biological tissues for microsurgery of the eye trabecular apparatus and iris. Requires further study of the characteristics of the developed method for working out the optimal parameters of exposure.