A new surgical technique of intra-scleral tube fixation in Ahmed Glaucoma Valve implantation: ‘Scleral Sleeve Method’

摘要

Purpose To present a new surgical technique ‘Scleral Sleeve Method’ which would reduce the risk of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) tube related complications in patients undergoing AGV FP7 (New World Medical Inc., Rancho Cucamonga, CA) for refractory glaucoma. Design Prospective, Non-Randomized, hospital based interventional case series. Subjects A total of 16 eyes of adult patients (10 males and 6 females) with refractory glaucoma. Methods Instead of using sutures to fix the AGV tube to sclera, we devised a novel method of intra-scleral tube fixation by creating a scleral tunnel fashioned in form of sleeve. Main outcome measure Post-operative tube related complications. Result There were no tube related complications such as exposure, extrusion or retraction in any of the cases. Conclusion Use of scleral sleeve method for tube fixation, along with graft to cover the tube, will provide additional safety measure and reduce the risks of tube related complications.