trabeculo-Descemet's Membrane Research Articles

Efficacy and Safety of Deep Sclerectomy With the Esnoper Clip Implant for Uncontrolled Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: A 1 Year Prospective Study.

Deep sclerectomy (DS) with the Esnoper Clip drainage implant in patients with uncontrolled primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) achieved a complete success rate of 87.2% at the 1-year follow-up. To investigate the efficacy and safety of DS followed by Esnoper Clip implantation in patients with uncontrolled POAG. In a prospective, consecutive, interventional study, we investigated 39 eyes of 35 patients with uncontrolled POAG who underwent DS with Esnoper Clip implantation. Complete ophthalmologic examinations including corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP), were performed preoperatively, and at 1 day, at 1 week as well as at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively. Moreover, any goniopunctures and glaucoma medications required postoperatively were noted. The mean preoperative IOP was 20.8±5.2mmHg and it decreased to 13.9±3.1mmHg at 1 year postoperatively ( P <0.001). The number of glaucoma medications decreased from 2.9±0.7 preoperatively to 0.3±0.8 after 1 year ( P <0.001). The complete success rate (IOP≤21mmHg without glaucoma medication) and the qualified success rate (IOP ≤21mmHg with or without glaucoma medication) were 87.2% and 94.9%, respectively. Goniopuncture was performed in 33.3% of cases. No significant corrected visual acuity changes were registered at the final follow-up. Perioperative complications consisted of 3 micro-perforations of the trabeculo-descemet membrane. Postoperative complications included: hyphema (6 eyes), hypotony (6 eyes), shallow anterior chamber (3 eyes), choroidal detachment (4 eyes)-all of which were resolved without surgical intervention during the first postoperative month-and conjunctival dehiscence, which required resuture (2 eyes). Deep sclerectomy with the Esnoper Clip implant was safe and effectively lowered IOP in patients with uncontrolled POAG.

Canaloplasty in the spotlight: surgical alternatives and future perspectives.

The modern glaucoma surgeon is faced with many surgical alternatives for the management of glaucoma. In recent years, numerous techniques that make Schlemm's canal (SC) more accessible for surgery by being less invasive and surgically less challenging were introduced. Since its first introduction, canaloplasty has become a well-established method of glaucoma surgery. The aim of this paper was to present an overview of canaloplasty and its modifications, and to highlight their strong points and potential drawbacks based on available data on the effectiveness of each technique. Furthermore, it offered an overview of the development of canaloplasty over time and the clinical aspects that should be considered in patient selection. Abbreviations: ABiC = Canaloplasty ab interno, AH = aqueous humour, CSD = Canaloplasty with suprachoroidal drainage, IOP = intraocular pressure, MIGS = minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, OAG = open angle glaucoma, PEXG = pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, SC = Schlemm's canal, TDM = trabeculo-Descemet's membrane.

Эффективность десцеметогониопунктуры в зависимости от сроков ее проведения после микроинвазивной непроникающей глубокой склерэктомии у пациентов с глаукомой

Purpose. Evaluation of the efficacy of descemethogoniopuncture (DGP) at various times after microinvasive non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (MNPDS) in patients with glaucoma. Material and methods. The analysis of the results of DGP in 64 eyes of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma after previously performed MNPDS. According to the timing of DGP after MNPDS, the patients were divided into 3 groups. In the 1st group BPH was performed after 1–2 months (22 eyes), the 2nd group – after 3–4 months (21 eyes), the 3rd group after 5–6 months (21 eyes). The follow-up period was 1 year. Results. The level of intraocular pressure before DGP averaged 15.1±0.6 mm Hg in group 1, 17.5±0.9 mm Hg in group 2, and group – 18.6±0.7 mm Hg. After DGP, 13.1±0.4 mm Hg, 14.6±0.7 mm Hg, 16.1±0.5 mm Hg respectively. According to ultrasound biomicroscopy, the highest and extended intrascleral cavities and tunnels, as well as a thin loose trabeculodescemet membrane (TDM), were observed in the eyes of the 1st group. With an increase in the time after MNPDS, there was a compaction of TDM, a decrease in the height and length of the intrascleral cavity and tunnels. 12 months after DGP, the most pronounced antihypertensive effect without antihypertensive therapy occurred in group 1 – 55% of cases compared with groups 2 and 3 (33% and 14% respectively). Conclusion. The greatest efficiency was shown by performing DGP within 1–2 months after MNPDS, which is associated with the minimum development of proliferative processes in the intrascleral outflow tract in the early stages after this operation. Key words: descemethogoniopuncture, microinvasive non-penetrating deep sclerectomy, intraocular pressure, hypotensive effect, glaucoma.

Analysis of bleb morphology after CLASS with ultrasound biomicroscopy and clinical grading scale.

Filtration in the area subjected to CO2 laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery (CLASS) is described using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and the clinical grading scale to evaluate the mechanism of intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction. Twenty-eight patients with open-angle glaucoma underwent CLASS. The Indiana Bleb Appearance Grading Scale evaluation was performed 1 month after surgery to determine bleb height, extent, vascularity, and leakage. UBM was used to describe and measure the surgical area. Bleb morphology, the size of the scleral lake, scleral route, and trabeculodescemetic membrane (TDM) thickness were examined. One month after CLASS, IOP significantly decreased from 20.46 ± 3.92 mmHg to 12.71 ± 2.99 mmHg, and the anterior chamber depth significantly more shallow, from 2.75 ± 0.36 mm to 2.61 ± 0.33 mm(p < 0.05). Shallow uplift occurred in 71.43% of the blebs, and 64.29% of the blebs were within 1 to 2 h; 82.15% showed mild or moderate vascular hyperemia, and the Seidel test was negative. UBM showed that all eyes had an intact TDM, with a mean thickness of 99.3 ± 22.2 μm; 21 eyes (75%) had L-type (low reflective). The scleral lake anteroposterior length, height, and transversal length were 2.247 ± 1.831 mm, 0.520 ± 0.234 mm, and 3.312 ± 0.423 mm, respectively. The TDM thickness and postoperative IOP were positively correlated, and the size of the scleral lake was not correlated with IOP reduction. Four eyes (14.29%) exhibited cyclodialysis. UBM examination indicated the aqueous humor drainage route. In the early stage after CLASS, subconjunctival and choroidal drainage routes might be the major mechanism underlying IOP reduction. Mild and moderate congestion of bleb blood vessels warrant attention to avoid early bleb scarring.

Espolonectomía: una nueva modificación de la esclerectomía profunda no perforante

PurposeTo evaluate the outcomes of a novel modification of the non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS) approach for glaucoma management called spurectomy. MethodsObservational comparative non-randomized retrospective study including 98 glaucomatous eyes of 76 patients operated on with the spurectomy technique consisting of the combination of the excision of the scleral spur with NPDS (groupA). A control group (groupB) including 53 glaucomatous eyes of 43 patients operated on with classical NPDS was also included. Changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) and medications required as well as complications were recorded in a 12-month follow-up. ResultsMean IOP decreased from 25.69±8.11 preoperatively to 15.73±4.16mm Hg postoperatively in groupA (p<0.001). In groupB, mean IOP decreased from 26.66±5.93 preoperatively to 18.19±5.93mm Hg postoperatively (P<.001). Differences between groups in postoperative IOP was statistically significant (P<.001). At 12months after surgery, 13.27% and 52.83% of eyes in groupsA andB required topical antihypertensive therapy (P<.001). The rate of absolute success after surgery was 87.5% and 47.17% in groupsA andB, with significantly higher rate of relative success in groupB (P<.001). No significant differences among groups were found in the complication rate (P=.960). The most common postoperative complication was microperforation of the trabeculo-descemetic membrane in both groups. ConclusionsSpurectomy is a safe and effective technique when compared with conventional NPDS and seems a promising alternative in the surgical management of glaucoma, optimizing the efficacy of the treatment and minimizing complications.

Surgical site characteristics after CLASS followed by ultrasound biomicroscopy and clinical grading scale: a 2-year follow-up.

This study describes the imaging of the filtering area in CO2 laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery (CLASS) using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) combined with the Indiana Bleb Appearance Grading Scale (IBAGS) and evaluates the mechanism by which CLASS lowers the intraocular pressure (IOP). Twenty-eight cases (28 eyes) of primary open-angle glaucoma that could not be controlled by drugs underwent CLASS. At 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery, IBAGS was used to evaluate the external morphology of the filtering blebs, and UBM was used to describe and measure their internal structure. During the early period after CLASS, most cases showed diffuse filtering blebs with a serious degree of congestion. At the end of follow-up, most cases did not present filtering blebs. All patients showed an intact and thin trabeculodescemetic membrane (TDM) with an average thickness of 0.094 ± 0.017 mm. The scleral reservoir size gradually decreased over time and tended to stabilize after 18 months. At 3 and 6 months after surgery, 53.57% of the patients had abnormalities in the TDM area, and after laser goniopuncture treatment, the scleral reservoir became slightly larger and the IOP decreased. The TDM thickness was not correlated with postoperative IOP, and the scleral reservoir size was negatively correlated with IOP. During the early phase after CLASS, the subconjunctival and suprachoroidal pathways may be the main mechanisms lowering IOP; over time, internal drainage pathways such as the intrascleral, trabecular-meshwork, and suprachoroidal pathways play greater roles in lowering IOP.

Prospective evaluation of penetrating deep sclerectomy in advanced open-angle glaucoma: Filtration surgery adapted to resource scarcity in developing countries

Two of the hurdles that are facing ophthalmologists in developing countries are scarcity of resources and patient follow-up. Deep sclerectomy (DS) has proven less costly and more effective than topical therapies and has a more favorable safety profile than trabeculectomy. The main factors preventing its use in developing countries are the need to perform laser goniopuncture in 40-80% of cases to maintain filtration and the risk of postoperative iris incarceration. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety profile in advanced open-angle glaucoma of a relatively new surgical technique designed to overcome this limitation: penetrating DS. This was an investigator-initiated, prospective, interventional study, conducted at a single ophthalmology center in Kinshasa, Congo. The study was conducted in full compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Fifty-one eyes (34patients) with uncontrolled advanced primary open-angle glaucoma (visual field mean deviation<-10 dBs) were enrolled between October 2012 and June 2016. Age, gender, comorbidities (hypertension/diabetes), best-corrected visual acuity, topical medications, medicated and unmedicated intraocular pressure (IOP) were recorded. All patients underwent penetrating DS, during which, following standard dissection of the scleral flaps, the anterior chamber was penetrated through the trabeculo-Descemet membrane and an iridectomy was performed. Patients attended postoperative appointments at months 1, 3, 6 and 12. Surgical success was defined as a 20% reduction of IOP from baseline in conjunction with a 12-month unmedicated IOP≤12mmHg. The mean age was 64.5±14.0years (44.1% female, 100% African). Mean IOP decreased from 20.2±6.1 (medicated) and 30.7±9.8mmHg (unmedicated) preoperatively to 12.1±4.1 at 12months. Concomitantly, the number of topical medications decreased from 1.5±0.7 to 0.0. Complete surgical success was achieved in 64.7%. Four eyes (7.8%) were considered surgical failures due to uncontrolled IOP. None of the eyes lost light perception or required additional surgery. A significant association between surgical failure and hypertension was observed (HR=1.49; P=0.008). There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperatively, 4bleb encapsulations (7.8%) and 1iris incarceration (2%) were observed. The present study demonstrates that penetrating DS achieved similar efficacy and safety results to traditional non-penetrating DS. In addition, it showed a lower potential for intraoperative complications, which might be associated with a more benign surgical learning curve. Finally, the rates of serious postoperative complications (iris incarceration, choroidal effusion and hypotony) were significantly lower than in DS and trabeculectomy, and this technique does not require subsequent Nd: YAG laser goniopuncture to maintain filtration, making frequent follow-up visits less critical. In view of these findings, perforating deep sclerectomy could offer a viable option for glaucoma management in developing countries as well as worldwide.

Flap-sparing canaloplasty: a modified approach to Schlemm's canal.

To present a modified surgical technique for canaloplasty with the Stegmann Canal Expander obviating the need for lamellar scleral dissection. After limbal peritomy of the conjunctiva, the sclera is not dissected in the classic lamellar fashion with superficial and deep scleral flaps but is successively 'scratched' down by radial incision until Schlemm's canal (SC) is opened (trench cut). Following canal opening and viscodilation with a microcannula and sodium hyaluronidate, one Stegmann Canal Expander is implanted on either side of the canal ostia and the scleral incision is closed watertight. Twenty-seven eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) were consecutively operated on using this modified technique. In all eyes, SC was successively opened, but exposure of the choroid and rupture of trabeculo-Descemet's membrane with iris prolapse or filtering blebs were not found. Adverse events included trimming of the expander in one eye for incomplete implantation during surgery, and transient microhyphaema in five eyes post-surgery. Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was 31.9mmHg ± 6.0 (SD) before surgery and 14.0mmHg ± 2.5 (SD) 6months and 15.2mmHg ± 1.95 (SD) 12months after surgery. The flap-sparing, trench-cut incision technique may reduce the risk of complications in canaloplasty with the Stegmann Canal Expander while effectively lowering IOP in POAG patients.

Deep Sclerectomy with Porous Collagen in Open-angle Glaucoma, Short-term Study.

ABSTRACTAimTo assess the role of porous collagen in deep sclerectomy (DS), with and without trabeculo-Descemet membrane (TDM) rupture.Patients and methodsForty-six eyes with different types of open-angle glaucoma and medically uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) were selected. DS was performed in all cases. Ologen was implanted as a single large piece in the scleral lake and subconjunctival space in all cases with and without TDM rupture.ResultsA total sample of 46 open-angle glaucoma patients were included in the study. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) IOP was 25.6 mm Hg ± 10.6 (range 12-58 mm Hg) pre-operatively. On follow-up, the mean ± SD IOP was 6.1 mm Hg ± 3.7 (range 2-20 mm Hg) 1 day postoperatively and 9.3 mm Hg ± 4.0 (range 4-23 mm Hg) after 1 month of follow-up, at 12 months the IOP was at 12.1 mm Hg ± 3 (range 8-18 mm Hg). The overall mean ± SD IOP reduction percentage was 48.3% ± 21.3 (range 0.0-86.2). Comparing mean IOP reductions at last follow-up between TDM rupture cases and non-TDM cases (Mann-Whitney test), the mean ± SD IOP reduction in TDM rupture patients was 12.1 ± 8.0 mm Hg (range 2-27) meanwhile, in non-TDM rupture patients it was 14.3 ± 11.4 mm Hg (range 0-50). However, the difference in IOP reduction between the two groups was not significant. (p = 0.689)ConclusionPorous collagen can enhance the results of DS; also, it helps to proceed with DS in cases of TDM rupture without converting to trabeculectomy.How to cite this article: Elbably A, Othman TM, Mousa A, Elridy M, Badawy W, Elbably M. Deep Sclerectomy with Porous Collagen in Open-angle Glaucoma, Short-term Study. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2018;12(2):85-89.

Deep sclerectomy for uveitic glaucoma: long-term outcomes.

PurposeTo report long-term outcomes of deep sclerectomy (DS) in eyes with raised intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucoma secondary to uveitis.Patients and methodsRetrospective consecutive case series of 43 eyes of 43 patients with uveitic glaucoma. Mitomycin C (MMC) 0.2-0.4 mg/ml was applied sub-conjunctivally prior to scleral flap dissection for 2-3 min in 35 eyes (81%). Combined phacoemulsification and DS was done in 4 cases (9%).ResultsMean follow-up was 68.5±33.5 months. In total, 23 eyes (53.5%) had previous intraocular surgery. Pre-operative IOP was 33.6±12.0 mm Hg. Mean IOP at one, three and five years after surgery was 15.5±5.0 mm Hg, 16.9±6.7 mm Hg and 16.4±5.2 mm Hg, respectively.The probability of IOP <22 and <19 mm Hg was 69 and 62% at 3 years and 60 and 51% at 5 years, respectively. This included eyes that had undergone needle revision and/or laser goniopuncture within that period but had not needed glaucoma medication or further glaucoma procedures. The overall number of glaucoma medications decreased from 3.0±1.2 to 0.8±1.2 by last follow-up (P<0.001). Serious complications included hypotony with macular folds in two eyes and occlusion of the trabeculo-Descemet's membrane (TDM) by iris in two eyes. Recurrence of uveitis was observed in 16 eyes. Seven eyes (16.3%) had subsequent procedures including trabeculectomy with MMC in one eye, DS with MMC in two eyes and Baerveldt tube implantation in five eyes.ConclusionsDS is a safe and effective procedure to lower IOP in uveitic glaucoma. However, as with other glaucoma procedures, a significant proportion of patients will require another IOP-lowering procedure in the long-term.

Descemet membranotomy to treat pre-Descemet haematoma after deep sclerectomy and anterior segment-OCT related findings: A presentation of two clinical cases

Abstract Case presentation An 81 year-old woman and a 63 year-old man developed a pre-Descemet haematoma after deep sclerectomy (DS), the former during the surgery itself and the latter during the early post-operative period. The surgical technique is described that led to the evacuation of the haematoma and the preservation of the integrity of trabeculo-Descemet membrane. The anterior-segment OCT findings after surgery are also presented. Conclusions These are the first reported cases of pre-Descemet haematoma after DS that have been successfully repaired by an ab interno Descemet membranotomy. Surgeons should be aware of this rare, but potentially sight-threatening, complication.

Preliminary results of CO2 laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery (CLASS) in the treatment of advanced glaucoma in a Chinese population.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of CO2 laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery (CLASS) in Chinese patients with advanced glaucoma.Patients with advanced glaucoma who were candidates for glaucoma filtration surgery were included. The intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of antiglaucoma medications were documented before surgery and at all postoperative clinic visits. All intra- and postoperative complications were documented. The primary outcome measures were the changes in IOP and medication use before and after the procedure as well as complications from the procedure. The secondary outcome measure included the CLASS success rate.Twenty patients (23 eyes) underwent CLASS between November 2014 and September 2015. Nineteen eyes had primary open-angle glaucoma, 2 eyes had primary angle-closure glaucoma, and 2 eyes had uveitic glaucoma. One patient was lost to follow-up. The mean age of subjects was 68.1 ± 11.9 years. IOP was significantly reduced at 1 day and 1 week after CLASS. At 6 months, the IOP and number of medications were significantly reduced by 19.0% and 38.2%, respectively (both P < 0.0001). One patient had intraoperative trabeculo-Descemet membrane perforation. Two patients required laser goniopuncture and 2 required needling between 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The overall success rate was 81.8% at 6 months.CLASS achieved a modest IOP reduction in the early postoperative period and was overall a safe procedure for advanced glaucoma.

Hematoma pre-descemético tras EPNP, tratado mediante membranotomía de la Descemet y hallazgos de OCT de segmento anterior: presentación de 2 casos clínicos

Case presentationAn 81 year-old woman and a 63 year-old man developed a pre-Descemet haematoma after deep sclerectomy (DS), the former during the surgery itself and the latter during the early post-operative period. The surgical technique is decribed that led to the evacuation of the haematoma and the preservation of the integrity of trabeculo-Descemet membrane. The anterior-segment OCT findings after surgery are also presented. ConclusionsThese are the first reported cases of pre-Descemet haematoma after DS that have been successfully repaired by an ab interno Descemet membranotomy. Surgeons should be aware of this rare, but potentially sight-threatening, complication.

A New Expander for Schlemm Canal Surgery in Primary Open-angle Glaucoma-Interim Clinical Results.

To evaluate a new canal expander in circumferential viscocanalostomy (canaloplasty) for whites with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Prospective, single-center, noncomparative study. Twenty-two eyes of 22 consecutive patients with medically uncontrolled POAG underwent primary viscocanalostomy and implantation of the Stegmann Canal Expander into Schlemm canal with a follow-up time of at least 1 year. Schlemm canal was unroofed ab externo, and dilated with viscoelastic material and microcatheter. The Stegmann Canal Expander is a flexible, fenestrated hollow implant of 9 mm in length. One expander was implanted into either side of the surgically created of ostium to keep the Schlemm canal permanently open. The superficial scleral flap was closed watertight. Laser goniopuncture of the trabeculo-Descemet membrane window was performed if postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) exceeded 16 mm Hg. Complete successes were defined as a confirmed IOP≤21, ≤18, and ≤16 mm Hg without medications, respectively, combined with a 30% IOP reduction. Number of antiglaucomatous medications, best-corrected visual acuity, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. The mean IOP dropped from 27.1±5.3 mm Hg preoperatively to 13.6±1.6 mm Hg at 6 months, 13.0±1.5 mm Hg at 9 months, and 13.1±2.2 mm Hg at 12 months (P<0.001). The complete success rates for an IOP≤21, ≤18, and ≤16 mm Hg combined with a 30% IOP reduction were 91% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.80-1.0], 91% (95% CI, 0.80-1.0), and 91.0% (95% CI, 0.80-1.0) at 6 months, and 86% (95% CI, 0.73-1.0), 82% (95% CI, 0.67-1.0), and 82.0% (95% CI, 0.67-1.0) at 12 months. The success rate of an IOP≤16 mm Hg without medications did not depend on age [hazard ratios (HR) 1.02; 95% CI, 0.85-1.12; P=0.74], preoperative IOP (HR 0.97; 95% CI, 0.83-1.23; P=0.89), and mean visual defect (HR 1.05; 95% CI, 0.72-1.27; P=0.76). Laser goniopuncture was performed on 2 eyes (9%) 4.1 months postoperatively; the mean IOP was 19.5 mm Hg before and 13.6 mm Hg after goniopuncture. The number of medications dropped from 2.9±0.6 before surgery to 0.05±0.2 after surgery (P<0.001). The postoperative best-corrected visual acuity at last visit (0.12±0.09; range, 0 to 0.39) was comparable to preoperative values (mean±SD, 0.16±0.10; range, 0 to 0.39) (P=0.35). Minor intraoperative or postoperative complications included microhyphema (8 eyes) and transient elevated IOP (steroid responder; 2 eyes). Implantation of the Stegmann Canal Expander in canaloplasty lowered IOP significantly in POAG without complications related to the device in this 1-year observation period.

A comparative study of a modified filtering trabeculotomy and conventional trabeculectomy.

PurposeThe objective of the study reported here was to evaluate the outcome of a modified filtering trabeculotomy (FTO) without iridectomy in open-angle glaucoma compared with that of conventional trabeculectomy (trab).Patients and methodsThirty eyes of 30 patients who underwent modified FTO were prospectively followed for 1 year and were compared with 87 conventional trab patients (87 eyes), matched for age and preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP). The FTO procedure consisted of a deep sclerectomy and trabeculotomy preserving the trabeculo-Descemet membrane, without iridectomy. Main outcome measures were complete success (IOP <18 mmHg and >/=30% IOP reduction, without medication), IOP, visual acuity, medication, complications, and subsequent surgeries.ResultsIn the conventional trab group, the median preoperative IOP was 23.0 mmHg (interquartile range 20.0–27.0) with 3.0 (2.0–3.0) medications, compared with 23.0 mmHg (20.0–27.0) and 3.0 (2.8–4.0) in the modified FTO group. Median postoperative IOP at 12 months was 12.0 mmHg (10.0–13.0) in the conventional trab and 11.0 mmHg (8.0–14.0) in the modified FTO group (P=0.3). The complete success rate at 1 year was 83.1% and 79.3% in the conventional trab group and modified FTO group, respectively (P=0.8). The complications hypotony (20.7%, 24.1%), choroidal detachment (2.3%, 10.3%), and bleb scarring (17.2%, 13.8%), were present in the conventional trab group and modified FTO group, respectively.ConclusionThe outcomes of reduced IOP and medications in the FTO group were not different to those in the conventional trab group over 1 year, but some complications were more often seen with the modified FTO technique. The new filtration trabeculotomy, however, has the advantage of avoiding iridectomy, thus reducing the risk of cataract formation, and may result in the development of more favorable blebs by controlling the flow over two resistance levels.

Deep sclerectomy with supraciliary hema implant (Esnoper® V-2000): results and complications.

The aim was to report the results of deep sclerectomy (DS) with supraciliary hema implant and the influence of the surgical complications on intraocular pressure (IOP). Forty-eight eyes of 41 patients with open angle glaucoma (OAG), who underwent DS with supraciliary hema implant (Esnoper(®) V-2000), were included in this study. A significant IOP reduction was observed, changing from a preoperative mean of 24.6 ± 6.33 mmHg to 16.5 ± 4.4 mmHg (p < 0.001) at 12 months and 16.1 ± 3.4 mmHg (p < 0.001), at 24 months. Similarly, a significant reduction in the number of glaucoma drugs needed was observed, varying from 2.71 to 0.22 (p < 0.001) and 0.4 (p < 0.001), 1 and 2 years after surgery. Goniopuncture with the Nd:Yag Laser was performed in 30 eyes (62.5%) with a mean time between the surgery and the procedure of 150 days, producing a mean IOP reduction of 4.0 mmHg (p < 0.001). The main intraoperative complications were microperforation of the trabeculodescemetic membrane (TDM) in 1 eye (2.08%) The main early postoperative complications were seidel at 24 h in 11 eyes (22.91%), hyphema in 7 eyes (14.58%), choroidal detachment in 3 eyes (6.25%) with macular folds in 2 (4.16%) and need for additional mitomycin injections in 2 eyes (4.16%). All these complications were spontaneously resolved. No correlation between these complications and final IOP was found, but a significant correlation between the presence of hyphema and higher IOP 24 months postoperatively (p = 0.048) was observed. DS with supraciliary hema implant is a safe and effective technique for the management of OAG. The presence of hyphema during the first week after the surgery could be considered as a negative prognostic factor in DS with supraciliary implantation.

Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging of Filtering Blebs after Deep Sclerectomy with Esnoper-Clip Implant: One-year Follow-up

ABSTRACTPurpose: To describe the technique of deep sclerectomy with the new Esnoper-Clip® implant, the clinical outcome and the anatomic characteristics of filtering blebs, using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).Methods: A prospective case-series study was conducted in five eyes (5 patients) with open angle glaucoma. The fornix-based deep sclerectomy with Esnoper-Clip® implant was done by the same surgeon. In one case, mitomycin C was used during surgery. All participants underwent a complete ophthalmic examination and AS-OCT (Visante®) preoperatively, then at each follow-up visit, at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. Scans were obtained through sagittal and transversal plans to the implant.Results: Intraocular pressure (IOP) was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) from a mean preoperative value of 23.4 ± 8.6 mm Hg (n = 3.8 glaucoma medications) to a postoperative value of 6.0 ± 2.5 (n = 0), 10.6 ± 5.4 (n = 0), 13 ± 1.6 (n = 0.4), 12.4 ± 2.1 (n = 0.2) and 14.4 ± 1.5 (n = 0.2) at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 6 months and 1 year respectively. AS-OCT allowed the visualization of the two plates of the implant (scleral and suprasciliary), the trabeculodescemetic membrane and the hyporeflective spaces in the bleb wall thickness and in suprascleral and suprachoroidal localizations. An immediate postoperative hypotony and an anteriorization of the implant associated to trabeculodescemetic membrane rupture, were detected, although without significant clinical repercussions.Conclusion: Our first five deep sclerectomy with Esnoper-Clip implantation analysis suggest an effective and well-tolerated method to reduce IOP. AS-OCT is a noninvasive imaging technique that allows the anatomic analysis of the drainage mechanisms after glaucoma surgery.How to cite this article: Vieira L, Noronha M, Lemos V, Reina M, Gomes T. Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging of Filtering Blebs after Deep Sclerectomy with Esnoper-Clip Implant: One-year Follow-up. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2014;8(3):91-95.

An ultrasound biomicroscopy study after deep sclerectomy with supraciliary implant

ObjectiveTo evaluate patients 24 months after deep sclerectomy (DE) with supraciliary implant, and identify any predictive success factors by examination with ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). Materials and methodsThis study included 26 eyes of 23 patients evaluated by UBM 24 months after a deep sclerectomy with a supraciliary hema implant. ResultsThere was a significant reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP), changing from a preoperative mean of 25.6±6.4mmHg to a postoperative mean of 16.2±3.4mmHg (p<0.001). The number of preoperative glaucoma medications also decreased from 2.5±0.6 drugs per patient to 0.5±0.5 (p<0.001). No change was observed in the best-corrected visual acuity. The anatomical characteristics of the surgical area and its relationship with IOP were examined using UBM. There was no correlation between the level of IOP at the time of UBM and the horizontal (r=−0.05: p=0.71) and vertical diameter (r=−0.1; p=0.63), the height (r=0.28; p=0.25) and the volume of intrascleral space (r=−0.08; p=0.79), the thickness (r=−0.07; p=0.73) and the length (r=0.39; p=0.13) of trabeculo-Descemet's membrane (TDM), the presence of filtering bleb (p=0.30) and the hypoechoic area in the supraciliary space (p=0.24). ConclusionsThe insertion of a hema implant in the supraciliary space is an effective and safe surgery for patients with open angle glaucoma (OAG). No predictive success factors for supraciliary implant were found using the UBM study.

Estudio mediante biomicroscopia ultrasónica de pacientes intervenidos de esclerectomía profunda no perforante con implante supraciliar

ObjetiveTo evaluate patients 24 months after deep sclerectomy (DE) with supraciliary implant, and identify any predictive success factors by examination with ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) Material and methodsThis study included 26 eyes of 23 patients evaluated by UBM 24 months after a deep sclerectomy with a supraciliary hema implant. ResultsThere was a significant reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP), changing from a preoperative mean of 25.6±6.4mmHg to a postoperative mean of 16.2±3.4mmHg (P<.001). The number of preoperative glaucoma medications also decreased from 2.5±0.6 drugs per patient to 0.5±0.5 (P<.001). No change was observed in the best-corrected visual acuity. The anatomical characteristics of the surgical area, and its relationship with IOP were examined using UBM. There was no correlation between the level of IOP at the time of UBM and the horizontal (r=−.05: P=.71) and vertical diameter (r=−.1; P=.63), the height (r=.28; P=.25) and the volume of intrascleral space (r=−.08; P=.79), the thickness (r=−.07; P=.73) and the length (r=.39; P=.13) of trabeculo-Descemet's membrane (TDM), the presence of filtering bleb (P=.30) and the hypoechoic area in the supraciliary space (P=.24). ConclusionsThe insertion of a hema implant in the supraciliary space is an effective and safe surgery for patients with open angle glaucoma (OAG). No predictive success factors for supraciliary implant were found using the UBM study.

One-year follow-up of deep sclerectomy using ultrasound biomicroscopy

Introduction Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) following deep sclerectomy provides a subsurface image that enables the visualization of the postoperative area and measurements of the thickness of the trabeculo-Descemet's membrane and the dimensions of the intrascleral space. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the intrascleral bleb surface area following deep sclerectomy, using UBM, to follow it up for 1 year, and to correlate it to the percentage decrease in intraocular pressure (IOP). Design This is an interventional case series. Settings Patients were recruited from Kasr El Aini Cairo University Hospital's outpatient clinics of ophthalmology from February 2012 until February 2013. Patients and methods Seventy-three eyes of 58 patients with open-angle glaucoma were subjected to deep sclerectomy with mitomycin C 0.2 mg/ml. Primary outcome measures The intrascleral bleb surface area was measured using a Zeiss Humphrey UBM 840 and IOP was measured using a Goldmann's applanation tonometer. Results Sixty eyes of 45 patients were included in the analysis. Intrascleral blebs were found in 85% of the eyes and persisted for an entire year. The mean surface area of intrascleral bleb was 0.84 ± 0.99 mm 2 after a month, 0.97 ± 0.95 mm 2 after 6 months, and 0.89 ± 0.92 mm 2 after a year. Correlation of the percentage decrease in IOP to the surface area of the intrascleral bleb was statistically significant at 1 month, but insignificant thereafter. Conclusion and relevance Thus, not only is the height of the intrascleral bleb correlated to the reduction in the IOP but the surface area of the bleb should also be taken into consideration.