Videos

Watch a selection of surgical procedures performed by Professor Simunovic.

First ever TGA approved gene therapy in Australia

Luxturna (voretigene neparvovec) is now registered in Australia, for the treatment of patients with inherited retinal dystrophy caused by pathological biallelic RPE65 mutations, who have sufficient viable retinal cells as determined by the treating physician. Luxturna is injected under the retina and carries a functioning RPE65 gene to replace the faulty one.

Epiretinal membrane peel (ERM peel)

An epiretinal membrane is a growth of fibrocellular tissue that can form on the inner surface of the macula causing visual symptoms (decreased vision and distortion). Treatment involves the surgical removal of the membrane as shown here. Visual acuity improvement occurs for most patients by 3-6 months post-operatively.

Intraocular foreign body removal

This video shows the use of a 3-port vitrectomy to access a foreign body that is lodged on the retina. The most common foreign bodies are made of metal and can cause serious damage if left in place. Removal of the object involves vitrectomy followed by removal with intraocular forceps.

Sub-retinal tissue plasminogen activator for sub-macular haemorrhage

A sub-macular haemorrhage occurs when there is bleeding under the most sensitive area of the retina. It is rare but extremely serious. Part of current surgical treatment in selected patients may involve an intra-ocular injection of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to dissolve the haemorrhage which helps preserve the remaining retinal structure and visual function.

Vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling

Full thickness macular hole is the result of traction at the centre of the macula, which results in a separation of the neural layers of the retina. This results in loss of vision, distortion and a small blind-spot (scotoma). If detected early, more than 95% of full thickness macular holes can be closed surgically. In this video, brilliant blue dye is used following vitrectomy in order to stain the internal limiting membrane. 25 gauge intraocular forceps are then used to peel the internal limiting membrane around the hole prior to fluid-air exchange and injection of sulfur hexafluoride gas (SF6).

Scleral sutured intraocular lens (four point fixation)

This video shows scleral fixation of an intraocular lens (IOL). Scleral fixation of IOLs is required in patients in whom the lens capsule - a membrane which surrounds the natural lens of the eye - is unstable, damaged or lost. It is especially useful for those in whom the iris is abnormal.

Combined Scleral Buckle/Vitrectomy for Retinal Detachment in FEVR

This case covers the surgical management of a combined tractional and exudative retinal detachment in Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy (FEVR). The video explains how scleral buckling combined with vitrectomy and membrane peeling relieves traction through different mechanisms, according to Hooke’s law.

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