Implantation of a novel glaucoma drainage with a small lumen silicone tube in rabbits: A pilot study

Abstract

AbstractPurpose: To assess surgical safety and expert usability of a novel glaucoma drainage implant with a smaller lumen compared to conventional silicone tubes.Methods: The newly constructed devices have been implanted via a specially designed injector system in 4 eyes of 4 New Zealand White rabbits, and their intraocular pressure was measured on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 postoperatively. The histopathologic evaluation was done after the 1 month‐follow up period using H&E staining and Masson‐trichrome staining. For the implantation, a limbal incision without mitomycin‐C (MMC) was performed in one eye, and a fornix incision with MMC was performed in three eyes.Results: The histologic sections showed well‐tolerated tissue response in all 4 eyes. All eyes showed filtering blebs on day 28 except one eye that had a buttonhole during the implantation. IOPs were better controlled in the 2 eyes done fornix incision with MMC plus without the buttonhole than other 2 eyes (6 mmHg vs 12.5 mmHg at day 28). The device was highly visible during the procedure of operation and had the flexibility to fit the surgeon's various procedures.Conclusions: The novel glaucoma drainage implant was effective and flexible to fulfil the surgeon's need in a pilot study with rabbits.