A subretinal cannula biopsy technique yielded diagnostic tissue in most small choroidal melanomas.
Ultrasmall Gauge Biopsy of Small Choroidal Melanomas with a Subretinal Cannula.
Deanna Ingrassia Miano … Peter G Hovland
Retinal cases & brief reports · 2026
Purpose
To report a novel technique for biopsying small choroidal tumors for molecular prognostication utilizing a 38-gauge subretinal cannula.
Methods
Through a transvitreal approach, a subretinal cannula enters the eye and penetrates the tumor in an area devoid of blood vessels.
n = 16 patients
Results
88% (14/16)
14 of 16 tumor biopsies with this cannula gave enough tissue for molecular testing.
n = 16 patients
More results
Sixteen patients underwent biopsy using this technique for suspected small choroidal melanoma (1.5 mm average thickness).
Of 2 patients without yield, there was a technical processing error and an anteriorly located tumor.
No complications were observed.
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Conclusion · 1 of 2
The described technique using a subretinal cannula for choroidal tumor biopsy yields sufficient specimen for molecular analysis while potentially minimizing visually threatening side effects.
Conclusion · 2 of 2
It may hold additional benefit when biopsying small, posterior tumors, which are adjacent to sensitive anatomy.