Self-retaining 27-gauge transconjunctival chandelier endoillumination for panoramic viewing during vitreous surgery

PURPOSE: To report the development of a 27-gauge selfretaining transconjunctival chandelier endoilluminator for panoramic viewing during vitrectomy. DESIGN: New surgical instrument. METHODS: The tip of the illuminating fiber is 27-gauge (0.35 mm) and shaped like a cone to provide wide-angle illumination. The tip, inserted approximately 3 turn into the vitreous cavity transconjunctivally, provides diffuse illumination. The optical fiber covered by a malleable sleeve can be retained in the eyeball without a suture. RESULTS: The slim light fiber design (0.35 mm) stabilizes the 27-gauge tip in the eye and provides up to 25 lumens of measured illumination. The adequate lighting potential and self-retaining design allow wide-angle visualization and bimanual manipulation in challenging cases. Easy insertion and removal without suture placement make it convenient to change the position of the device during surgery and efficiently shorten surgical time. CONCLUSIONS: This suture-free 27-gauge endoillumination chandelier improves the efficacy and efficiency of vitreous surgery.