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Abstract #15577 Published in IGR 1-3
Results of another modality for extending glaucoma drainage tubes
Smith MF; Doyle JWJournal of Glaucoma 1999; 8: 310-314
PURPOSE: For a variety of reasons, on rare occasions, a surgeon needs to reposition the intraocular portion of a glaucoma drainage implant tube, but finds the tube 'too short' to do so. This study describes the results of a different technique for 'extending' the tube (rather than replacing the entire apparatus). METHODS: Four eyes of four patients required a tube 'extender', for either tube tip blockage associated with uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP; n=3), or to avoid total seton replacement after tube 'cheesewiring' (n=1). An extender was fashioned from common angiocatheter material. Postoperative complications, IOP, and need for further surgery were reviewed. RESULTS: None of the four patients required further, more invasive, surgery, or experienced any related postoperative complications. Final IOP averaged 11.5±4.2 mmHg (range, 6-16 mmHg). CONCLUSIONS: Tube extension using angiocatheter material is a viable, cost-effective option in these difficult cases, saving the surgeon from having to explant and replace the entire implant.
Dr. M.F. Smith, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, JHMHC Box 100284, Gainesville, FL 32610-0284; USA
Classification:
12.8.2 With tube implant or other drainage devices (Part of: 12 Surgical treatment > 12.8 Filtering surgery)
