MICROGAS

C3F8 MIXED

Gas for intraocular use

Initially, the only buffering agent used was air due to the strong difference in surface tension compared to water. Air, is, however, easily and quickly reabsorbed not promoting healing of the eyeball after vitrectomy surgery, so other nontoxic gaseous substances have been studied that can remain in the eye for a longer time.

Fluorinated compounds such assulfur hexafluoride (SF6), or perfluorocarbons such as perfluoromethane (CF4), perfluoroethane (C2F6) and perfluoropropane (C3F8) were selected.

MicroC3F8 (pure or mixed) is a class IIB implantable medical device. It is a high molecular weight gas used in vitrectomy, ab-external surgery, and pneumatic retinopexy. The product is intended to replace the vitreous humor and has a residence time in the eye of 7-8 weeks.

The device should be used in a sterile field, only by ophthalmologists experienced in vitreo-retinal surgery.

The MicroC3F8 is inserted into a compact bubble at the end of the vitrectomy procedure after a fluid exchange with air. The gases contained in the intraocular bubble go into solution with the fluids adjacent to it and leave the eye over time, diffusing into the bloodstream. In contrast, gases contained in the blood stream enter the bubble regulated by the partial pressure of each gas in its environment.

Then nitrogen and other air components diffuse toward the bubble containing C3F8, while C3F8 will diffuse toward the blood.

Crucial is the speed of diffusion; while C3F8 will slowly exit the eye, the faster the nitrogen dissolved in the blood will enter the bubble as C3F8 has a molecular weight 5 times greater than nitrogen. This results in an expansion of the gas bubble in the eye by acquisition of nitrogen from the blood, up to a maximum beyond which, the nitrogen pressure now being equal to that of the blood, it can only be reabsorbed. This behavior allows the bubble to remain longer in the eye, but with the drawback that it can cause hypertone. The introduction of a bubble of gas mixed with nitrogen reduces the diffusion rate of nitrogen, preventing hypertone.

MICROGAS C3F8 MIXED

MicroC3F8 (pure or mixed) is injected into the vitreous chamber for the purpose of replacing vitreous and promoting retinal adhesion. During the average residence time in the eye (about 7-8 weeks), the gas is gradually replaced by aqueous humor and exhaled.

PRODUCT ASSORTMENT

The MicroC3F8 Mixed device is available in a single variant in which C3F8 is mixed at 12 percent with nitrogen. Besides the gas canister, the kit consists of a Connector, a 0.2 μ Sterilizing Filter, a 60 ml PP Syringe, a 3-way Tap, a 27 G Needle and a 30 G Needle.

CODE

DESCRIPTION

NAME

MMD-787

Canister pre-filled with C3F8 Gas mixed with 12% nitrogen and Connector, 0.2 μ sterilizing filter, 60 ml PP syringe, 3-way tap, Needle 27 G AND Needle 30 G

MICROC3F8 Mixed

VIDEO TUTORIAL.

How to use: Before infusion, the MicroC3F8 gas should be sterilized by passing through the filter, the other accessories included in the package are already sterilized at ETO. In the case of pure MicroC3F8, it is necessary to prepare the mixture with air before proceeding to the infusion procedure, this is done directly in the syringe provided, carefully following the directions in the bugiardine. In the case of premixed MicroC3F8, however, simply fill the supplied syringe with the gas contained in the canister and proceed directly to use.
MicroC3F8 has an average residence time in the eye of no more than 28 days