Vitrectomy with an alternative instrument system.

This is a description of an alternative type of vitrectomy instrument system which is characterized by specific advantages for mobilizing and removing sluggish intracapsular lens material, blood, debris, or plasmoid liquid pooled or sedimented at the posterior pole; and modular one-surgeon units adaptable to contemporary vitrectomy devices and techniques with a minimum of surgical or instrument modification. Electrovitreotomy for relaxing fixed folds due to taut opaque vasoproliferative bands inaccessible to or extremely hazardous with other cutting methods is a complementary procedure of value.