光源付きスパーテルナイフの試作

Illuminated retinal spatula-knife for vitreous surgery

　硝子体手術に用いる光源付きスパーテルナイフを試作した。4回の改良を加えた結果，先端部は2か所で折り曲げたbent型で，口径は19と20gaugeをそろえた。ナイフ部分は下方を凸にした和包丁型の片面研ぎ（ベベルアップ）とし，操作中の網膜下迷入，網膜の誤切開が起こりにくい工夫を加えた。この器具の使用により光ファイバーの光源下で双手法による増殖膜処理が可能となり，手術時間の短縮と同時に手術の安全性が増した。

We designed a new illuminated retinal spatula-knife system for use during vitreous surgery. After four prototypes, we developed a bent-type spatula-knife. It is bent at two positions and is available as two, 19 and 20 gauge needles. The knife is shaped concave in its lower portion and is bevel-edged in its upper portion. This feature would prevent unintentional iatrogenic retinal tear or cutting into the subretinal space. This system facilitates bimanual dissection or peeling of proliferative tissue under sufficient endo-illumination.