transpupillary thermotherapy
Pronunciation: trans-PYOO-pih-lar-ee ther-mo-THER-ah-pee
A laser treatment technique using infrared radiation to deliver controlled hyperthermia to small intraocular tumors.
Full Definition
Transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) is a minimally invasive treatment modality that uses infrared laser energy (typically 810nm diode laser) delivered through the pupil to create controlled hyperthermia in small intraocular tumors. The technique raises tumor temperature to 45-60°C, causing protein denaturation and vascular damage while preserving surrounding retinal tissue. TTT is primarily used as adjuvant therapy following brachytherapy for choroidal melanoma or as primary treatment for small tumors and retinal capillary hemangiomas. The procedure can often be performed in an outpatient setting with topical anesthesia.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as TTT in clinical documentation. Hyphenate 'transpupillary' when used as compound modifier.
In Context
- "Adjuvant transpupillary thermotherapy was administered six months post-brachytherapy." — Follow-up treatment note
- "TTT protocols specify laser power settings based on tumor thickness and pigmentation." — Treatment guideline document