# Thermoelectric Measuring Equipment for Perioperative Monitoring of Temperature and Heat Flux Density of the Human Eye in Vitreoretinal Surgery

## TL;DR

This study introduces new thermoelectric devices to monitor eye temperature and heat flux during vitreoretinal surgery, aiming to improve surgical safety.

## Contribution

The first successful application of thermoelectric sensors for perioperative ocular heat transfer monitoring in vitreoretinal surgery is demonstrated.

## Key findings

- Thermoelectric devices safely measured ocular surface temperature and heat flux density in patients with PDR.
- No complications were observed from using the thermoelectric sensors during surgery.
- The study highlights the potential for future temperature management in vitreoretinal procedures.

## Abstract

Perioperative monitoring of the ocular heat transfer is important for increasing the safety of long-term vitreoretinal surgery. The study is aimed at studying new thermoelectric measuring devices for comprehensive perioperative monitoring of ocular temperature and heat fluxes in vitreoretinal surgery. This pilot, open-label, prospective study included 23 patients (23 eyes) with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in both eyes. The thermoelectric devices were developed for measuring intraocular temperature in vitreoretinal surgery and for determining the ocular surface temperature (OST) and heat flux (HF) density. In all cases, OST and HF density of both eyes were recorded (before and after surgery). Intraocular temperature and temperature of the irrigation fluid were measured intraoperatively. No complications associated with the perioperative use of thermoelectric temperature and HF sensors were identified during the study. The successful application of thermoelectric temperature and HF sensors, developed specifically for ophthalmological applications, in comprehensive perioperative monitoring of ocular heat transfer in patients with PDR in vitreoretinal surgery was demonstrated for the first time. Further research is needed to confirm the benefits of perioperative temperature monitoring in vitreoretinal surgery, as well as to develop equipment for active management of temperature in surgical practice.