Intravitreal Injection with a Conjunctival Injection Device: A Single-Center Experience

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical performance of the intravitreal injection assistant device (InVitria) compared with the conventional freehand technique for delivering intravitreal injections. METHODS: Seventy patients were randomized to receive intravitreal injections via the conventional freehand technique while 70 received injections using the InVitria. Half of all procedures in each group were performed by junior surgeons, while the rest were performed by senior surgeons. RESULTS: Mean injections times were 90.0 ± 23.3 seconds and 64.9 ± 26.8 seconds for conventional versus InVitria (P < 0.001). Mean injection times with the conventional technique were 85.5 ± 23.0 seconds vs. 94.2 ± 23.0 seconds for senior versus junior surgeons (P = 0.120). Mean injection times with the InVitria were 56.1 ± 26.1 seconds vs. 66.3 ± 26.9 seconds (P = 0.211) for senior versus junior surgeons. There were no significant differences in pain scores regardless of technique (conventional versus In Vitria: 2.03 ± 1.73 vs. 2.13 ± 2.20, P = 0.770). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, the InVitria is a comparable alternative to the conventional freehand technique of delivering intravitreal injections, with the potential for faster injection times and without compromising on patient comfort. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: The study provides evidence to suggest that the InVitria may be deployed effectively in clinical practice.