A novel method to oxygenate intraocular irrigation fluids with an in-line oxygenator.

Purpose: We describe a novel method to oxygenate intraocular irrigation solutions involving an in-line oxygenator.
Methods: Either lactated Ringer (LR) solution or balanced salt solution (BSS) was oxygenated with the FE390 Stainless In-line Oxygenation Assembly (Beer, Beer, and More Beer, Concord, CA). After running a 100-mL of solution through the in-line oxygenator, oxygen saturation was measured with a dissolved oxygen meter. A control experiment involving the oxygenator without oxygen perfusion was performed. Paired t-tests were used to compare oxygen saturation changes before and after oxygenation.
Results: In comparison with the original BSS, there was an increase in oxygen saturation of 162 +/- 47% (n = 40; P < 0.05). Without oxygenation perfusion, there was only a 24 +/- 14% (n = 40) increase in oxygen levels in BSS, which was significantly lower than that in treated BSS (P < 0.05). In comparison with the original LR solution, there was an increase in oxygen saturation of 208 +/- 21% (n = 40; P < 0.05). Without oxygenation perfusion, there was only a 21 +/- 9% (n = 40) gain in oxygen saturation in the control LR solution, which was statistically lower as well (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The in-line oxygenator is an efficient tool for oxygenating BSS and LR solution. It represents a potential efficient and convenient method to oxygenate irrigating solutions for vitreoretinal surgeries.