Innovative use of a magnetized pick for removal of an intraocular foreign body with 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Since being introduced in 2002, 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy techniques continue to gain popularity among vitreoretinal surgeons and are being used in the management of increasingly complex surgical patients.
METHODS: In this report, we report a patient in whom a magnetized 25-gauge intraocular pick was used to facilitate removal of a metallic intraocular foreign body with 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy without enlarging a sclerotomy wound.
RESULTS: The magnetized 25-gauge intraocular pick allowed for removal of the intraocular foreign body through a posterior capsulorhexis and a standard cataract wound. "In the bag" placement of the posterior chamber intraocular lens resulted in a perfectly reconstructed pseudophakic anterior segment.
CONCLUSION: The authors suggest that a magnetized 25-gauge pick may be a useful adjunct in the management of selected patients with a magnetic intraocular foreign body.