Effect of the Superior Cervical Sympathectomy on Experimental Retinal Branch Vein Occlusion in Rabbits

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Superior cervical sympathectomy was performed on argon laser induced experimental branched retinal vein occlusion in rabbits to evaluate its effect on retinal blood flow. METHODS: Branched retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) was induced by argon laser in 30 eyes (15 pigmented rabbits) divided into three groups. One and 3 weeks after inducing BRVO, superior cervical sympathectomy was performed in Group 1 (early) and 2 (late), respectively. Group 3 was left as a control group. Fundus photography, fluorescien angiography and Heidelberg Retinal Flowmetry (HRF) were performed prior to and after sympathectomy. Pathologic examination was done after enucleation. RESULTS: The sympathectomy groups, especially Group 1 (early), showed better recovery of retinal blood flow, volume, and velocity. CONCLUSIONS: Sympathetic block appears to produce dilatation of the retinal blood system, and we suggest stellate ganglion block technique as an effective treatment modality on human beings with BRVO.