How the Awh MVP™ Is Changing the Game for Membrane Peeling
How the Awh MVP™ Is Changing the Game for Membrane Peeling
Innovation in retinal surgery doesn’t end with the introduction of new instruments—it transforms daily surgical practice. At the 2024 American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) meeting, Dr. Carl Awh introduced the Awh MVP™ (Micro Vacuum Pick), a device designed to simplify and improve the delicate process of membrane peeling. By combining multiple functions into a single tool, the MVP offers surgeons a safer, more efficient alternative to traditional forceps.
What Makes the Awh MVP™ Stand Out
Built-in Micro-Picks & Aspiration Port
At the tip of the device are fine micro-picks designed to initiate a flap in the internal limiting membrane (ILM) or epiretinal membrane (ERM). Adjacent to these is an aspiration port, connected to the vitrectomy machine, which provides secure, foot-pedal-controlled suction to hold and remove membranes without additional instruments.
Streamlined Workflow
Traditionally, surgeons rely on forceps and multiple instrument exchanges to peel membranes. The MVP combines these steps into a single, continuous maneuver—lifting, gripping, and aspirating membranes simultaneously. This reduces surgical time and minimizes workflow interruptions.
Retinal Protection
A crescent-shaped, smooth spatula built into the MVP protects the underlying retina from suction forces, reducing the risk of trauma while enhancing stability during membrane peeling.
Clinical Advantages
- Efficiency & Reduced Fatigue – In more than 100 cases performed by Dr. Awh—including ERM and macular hole surgeries—the MVP reduced the need for frequent instrument exchanges. By eliminating the repetitive squeezing of forceps, surgeons reported less fatigue, especially during longer cases.
- Safety Record – No iatrogenic retinal breaks were observed in these cases, and clogging occurred in only 10 out of 100 surgeries—each resolved with a brief instrument swap.
- Versatility – The MVP has been successfully used not only in standard cases but also in complex scenarios such as diabetic tractional detachments, myopic detachments, and proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Variants are available in 23-, 25-, and 27-gauge sizes.
Considerations & Learning Curve
Like any new instrument, the MVP requires adaptation. Surgeons must gain comfort with using micropicks to initiate peels, and in cases involving extremely thick or fibrotic membranes, forceps may still be required. Nonetheless, the learning curve has been described as modest, with benefits outweighing initial challenges.
The Movement Toward Efficiency
The Awh MVP™ reflects a broader shift in vitreoretinal surgery: the drive to minimize instrument exchanges while maintaining or improving safety. For example, cutter-based peeling techniques using aspiration alone have shown reductions in surgical time without compromising outcomes. The MVP represents another step forward in this trend, providing surgeons with an integrated, purpose-built solution.
A Lasting Impact
The Awh MVP™ Micro Vacuum Pick is more than just a new tool—it represents a meaningful advance in how vitreoretinal surgeons approach membrane peeling. By combining micro-picks, aspiration, and retinal protection into a single device, it challenges the long-standing reliance on forceps and enhances surgical safety, efficiency, and ergonomics.
At Tennessee Retina, we are proud to see Dr. Awh’s contributions shaping the field and improving outcomes for patients worldwide.
🎥 Watch Dr. Awh’s demonstration of the Awh MVP™ HERE
