Name of the Procedure:

Injection, brolucizumab-dbll, 1 mg
Common name(s): Brolucizumab Injection, Anti-VEGF Injection
Technical/medical term: Intravitreal Injection of Brolucizumab-dbll (J0179)

Summary

Brolucizumab-dbll injection is a medical procedure where a medication is delivered directly into the eye to treat conditions that affect vision. This is typically done to manage diseases that cause abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina, leading to vision impairment.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the brolucizumab-dbll injection is to treat eye conditions such as neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The goal is to improve vision or at least to prevent further vision loss by inhibiting abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage.

Indications

• Neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Diabetic macular edema (DME)
• Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) Patients experiencing blurred central vision, dark spots, or visual distortions may be candidates for this procedure.

Preparation

• Prior to the procedure, patients may need to undergo an eye examination and additional diagnostic tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or fluorescein angiography.
• Patients might be instructed to avoid using certain medications that could affect bleeding or healing.
• The eye will be cleaned, and an antiseptic will be used to reduce the risk of infection.

Procedure Description

1. The patient will lie down or sit in a reclining chair.
2. The eye will be numbed using anesthetic drops.
3. An antiseptic solution will be used around the eye to prevent infection.
4. A device may be used to keep the eye open.
5. The medication, brolucizumab-dbll, will be carefully injected into the vitreous, the gel-like substance inside the eye, using a fine needle.
6. The entire process usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

Duration

The actual injection takes only a few seconds, but the overall procedure typically lasts about 10-15 minutes.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in an outpatient clinic or a specialized eye care center.

Personnel

• Ophthalmologist (eye surgeon)
• Trained nurses or medical assistants
• Occasionally, an anesthesiologist if deeper sedation is required, but generally not needed

Risks and Complications

Common risks include:

• Mild eye discomfort or redness
• Temporary visual disturbances

Rare risks include:

• Infection inside the eye (endophthalmitis)
• Retinal detachment
• Increased intraocular pressure
• Inflammation of the eye

Benefits

• Improved or stabilized vision
• Reduced retinal swelling and abnormal blood vessel growth
• Benefits can often be seen within weeks to months.

Recovery

• Patients may experience mild discomfort or blurred vision for a few days.
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a short period.
• Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the eye's condition.
• Eye drops may be prescribed to prevent infection and inflammation.

Alternatives

• Other anti-VEGF injections (e.g., bevacizumab, ranibizumab)
• Laser therapy
• Photodynamic therapy Alternative treatments may have different efficacy rates, side effects, and cost considerations.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients might feel slight pressure but should not experience significant pain due to local anesthesia. Post-procedure, discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and prescribed eye drops. Most patients can resume normal activities within a day, except for avoiding intense physical activities for a short period.