ophthalmic gases – sf6, c2f6 and c3f8
sf6, c2f6 and c3f8 are offered for single use application. The gases are easy to handle and to apply. sf6, c2f6 and c3f8 support post surgical tamponading of the retina.
High purity
Improved convenience
Adjustable gas concentration
Environmental friendly
Enhanced safety
THE ISSUE
CO2 emissions
Due to their impact on our environment, fluorinated gases have been banned from a wide range of industrial applications. However, some gases are still available for medical purposes.
As the demand for gas is constantly increasing, the challenge is to support and preserve our environment. The aim must be to release as little gas as possible during the surgical procedure.
Premixed gases, as well storage containers currently used (bottles, cans) can raise legal and/or stability concerns.
OUR ANSWER
effective dose
borosilicate glass container
In borosilicate glass containers, the gas is stored in a non-pressurized state. The glass container is gas tight and does not allow any exchange with the external environment. The gentle sterilization process allows safe storage of the gas.
The system helps to protect the environment by offering only the quantities which are needed in the OR, thus minimizing waste.
The surgeons can adjust the gas concentration mixture to their needs without releasing too much gas into the environment.
usability
SF6, C2F6 and C3F8 are chemically and physiologically inert, colourless, and odourless gases for tamponading retinal detachments after vitrectomy.
Ophthafutur Gas preparation – short version
Ophthafutur Gas preparation – long version
application system
ophthafutur® gases are supplied in glass containers. The system also includes a preassembled sterile plastic syringe to prepare the gas mixture and a small gauge needle to facilitate the injection. A patient information card and a patient bracelet are also included.
preparation of gas mixtures
The illustration shows the single steps of the preparation of gas /air mixtures including handling instructions.
The gases are offered in a non-pressurized glass container. The pure gas is drawn into the larger sterile plastic syringe (see step 1–4 of the illustration). After the transfer, the surgeon can mix the gas with filtered ambient air.
Prior to mixing the excess of the pure gas which is not needed to prepare the mixture is expelled from the syringe. Ambient air is then drawn in through the filter into the plastic syringe. The amount of air determines the resulting mix ratio (step 5 –8 of the illustration).
application
Ensure the vitreous body has been completely removed before applying SF6, C2F6 or C3F8.
It should be considered that pure gases will expand, when purely injected into the eye. There is an equilibrium between gas and ambient air at which the gas mixture will not expand. Values from the literature are given to indicate possible non-expansive mixtures. Please be aware to carefully check the mixing process.
A small gauge needle is included to aid the injection of gas. This allows the surgeon to finally adjust the gas pressure within the eye after removing all surgical accessories. Patients who have received gas should be provided with the patient information card and a bracelet should be attached to their wrist.
Patients should be made aware of the possible hazards when a gas bubble is present in the eye.
warnings
Patients with a gas tamponade must not be exposed to pressure variations (flying, diving, etc.). Nitrous oxide anaesthesia must
be interrupted at least 20 minutes before applying SF6, C2F6 or C3F8.
composition
SF6 consists of sulfur hexafluoride with an initial purity of > 4.5
(Mass fraction > 99.995 %) and density of 6.07 kg/m3 (1 bar, 20 °C).
C2F6 consists of hexafluoroethane with an initial purity of > 5.0
(Mass fraction > 99.999 %) and density of 5.84 kg/m3 (1 bar, 15 °C).
C3F8 consists of octafluoropropane with an initial purity of > 4.0
(Mass fraction > 99.99 %) and density of 8.17 kg/m3 (1 bar, 15 °C).
properties
Filling quantity glass reservoir SF6: 15 ml C2F6: 12 ml C3F8: 9 ml
Total syringe volume 60 ml
possible effective tamponade duration of the gases [days]:
SF6: 6
C2F6: 15
C3F8: 30
possible retention time ot the gases [days]:
SF6: 13
C2F6: 35
C3F8: 65
For additional information please consult directions for use.