NCT07019896

Minimal Vitrectomy Surgery for Epiretinal Membrane

Minimal Vitrectomy Surgery (MVS) Versus Conventional Vitrectomy for the Treatment of Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 140 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Peking Union Medical College Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This multicenter randomized controlled trial evaluates Minimal Vitrectomy Surgery (MVS) versus conventional vitrectomy for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). The primary endpoints include visual acuity improvement and cataract progression after 12 months. MVS aims to minimize vitreous removal while ensuring complete membrane removal through adaptive limited vitrectomy.

Detailed description

Idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) is characterized by fibrocellular proliferation on the retinal surface, leading to macular edema, metamorphopsia, and visual impairment. Traditional treatment involves pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) induction and core vitrectomy, which may increase the risk of postoperative cataract. Minimal Vitrectomy Surgery (MVS) is a modified surgical approach designed to minimize vitreous removal and preserve the hyaloid. The epiretinal membrane is directly peeled through the intact vitreous. If pre-existing vitreous floaters or membrane fragments remain after peeling and cannot be removed safely with micro-forceps, limited localized vitrectomy is selectively performed to eliminate these floaters and avoid postoperative visual disturbances. This trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MVS compared to conventional vitrectomy, focusing on visual improvement, macular thickness, cataract progression, ERM recurrence, and intraoperative complications.

Conditions

• Epiretinal Membrane
• Macular Edema (ME)
• Nuclear Cataract

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Minimal Vitrectomy Surgery	The epiretinal membrane is peeled directly through the intact vitreous. Limited localized vitrectomy is selectively performed if pre-existing floaters or membrane fragments remain after peeling.
PROCEDURE	Conventional Vitrectomy	Standard pars plana vitrectomy is performed with posterior vitreous detachment induction and core vitreous removal prior to epiretinal membrane peeling.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-12-01
• Primary completion: 2026-11-30
• Completion: 2026-11-30
• First posted: 2025-06-13
• Last updated: 2025-06-13

Locations

1 site across 1 country: China