Preliminary results using a flexible endoscope for orbital surgery

A technique for visualizing the optic nerve, the short and long posterior ciliary arteries and nerves, the ophthalmic vein, and the rectus muscles using a flexible endoscope was developed in human cadavers. Previous reports of orbital endoscopy were limited to the use of a rigid endoscope. Potential applications for this new flexible endoscopic technique include the biopsy of orbital tumors, fenestration of the optic nerve sheath with mid-infrared lasers, photocoagulation of orbital tumors, and retrieval of foreign bodies or slipped muscles.