Surgical Decompression of Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion Via Arteriovenous Crossing Sheathotomy

Anuchit Kittanthong, M.D.
*Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112

ABSTRACT

Obfective : To evaluate visual outcome after arteriovenous crossing dissection for the treatment of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Study design : Retrospective descriptive case series

Materials and Methods : A retrospective, case review study from October 2000 to July 2003. 5 patients with a branch retinal vein occlusion with decreased visual acuity due to macular edema, ischemia, or hemorrhage were performed surgical decompression of BRVO via arteriovenous crossing sheathotomy.

Results : All patients showed clinical improvement as determined by fundus examination, phothographt, and fluorescein angiographt. Postoperative visual acuities were improved in all patients.

Conclusion : Surgical decompression of BRVO via arteriovenous crossing sheathotomy is a technically feasible procedure that can result in rapid reperfusion of the retina and improvement of visual acuities.

Thai J Ophthalmol 2003 ; July-December 17(2) : 171-176.