The brand name for balanced salt solution, commonly utilized in medical procedures, is BSS®.
Balanced Salt Solution (BSS) is a crucial sterile irrigating solution meticulously formulated to mimic the natural physiological environment of the eye, making it indispensable in various ophthalmic surgical procedures. Its balanced composition helps maintain the integrity and health of delicate ocular tissues during intervention.
Understanding BSS® and BSS® PLUS
Alcon, a leading name in ophthalmic products, offers different formulations under the BSS® brand to cater to specific surgical needs:
- BSS® Sterile Irrigating Solution: This is the standard balanced salt solution. It provides a stable and biocompatible environment for intraocular irrigation, primarily used to gently rinse and maintain tissues during standard ophthalmic surgeries.
- BSS® PLUS Sterile Intraocular Irrigating Solution: This advanced formulation is an enriched version of the standard BSS. It contains additional vital components such as bicarbonate, dextrose, and glutathione. These additions are designed to offer enhanced metabolic support and antioxidant protection to ocular tissues, which is particularly beneficial during longer or more complex surgical procedures, like extended cataract surgery.
Both BSS® and BSS® PLUS serve as critical components in surgical setups, ensuring the stability and hydration of the surgical field while minimizing potential damage to sensitive tissues.
Key Roles in Ophthalmic Surgery
These solutions are fundamental for:
- Maintaining Cellular Homeostasis: They prevent cells from swelling or shrinking by maintaining isotonicity.
- Providing Metabolic Support: Especially BSS PLUS, which supplies essential nutrients like dextrose (energy source) and glutathione (antioxidant) to stressed tissues.
- Buffering pH: Bicarbonate in BSS PLUS helps in maintaining a physiological pH, crucial for cellular function.
- Rinsing and Clearing: They effectively flush out debris, blood, and other contaminants from the surgical site, ensuring clear visibility for the surgeon.
Here is a summary of the two main BSS formulations:
| Feature | BSS® Sterile Irrigating Solution | BSS® PLUS Sterile Intraocular Irrigating Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | General intraocular irrigation | Enhanced tissue support during complex ophthalmic surgery |
| Composition | Balanced salt solution | Balanced salt solution with added bicarbonate, dextrose, and glutathione |
| Key Benefit | Maintains physiological balance | Offers metabolic support, antioxidant protection, and pH buffering |
| Typical Use | Standard cataract surgery, other eye procedures | Extended, complex, or high-risk ophthalmic surgeries |
| Manufacturer | Alcon | Alcon |
| Learn More | Alcon Professional | Alcon Professional |
For further details on these and other related products, the Alcon Professional website is a valuable resource.
