Comparison Of Trabeculectomy Versus The Ex-PRESS Miniature Glaucoma Device In The Same Patient: A Prospective Randomized Study (XVT-USF)

Comparison Of Trabeculectomy Versus The Ex-PRESS Miniature Glaucoma Device In The Same Patient: A Prospective Randomized Study

Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial,to Compare Standard Trabeculectomy to the Ex-PRESS Mini Glaucoma Shunt Implantation Under a Scleral Flap in Eyes With Open-Angle Glaucoma

the purpose of this study was to compare standard trabeculectomy to the Ex-PRESS mini glaucoma shunt implantation under a scleral flap in eyes with open-angle glaucoma.In this report, we describe the results of a prospective, randomized trial in which subjects with bilateral primary open-angle glaucoma underwent the two procedures in fellow eyes.Design: Prospective, randomized clinical trial. Participants: 15 subjects with bilateral primary open-angle glaucoma Methods: Subjects underwent the two procedures in fellow eyes. Safety and efficacy were evaluated for up to two years. Main Outcome Measures: Mean IOP and surgical success rates. Results: Mean IOP was similar in Ex-PRESS and trabeculectomy eyes at all time points except month 9, when Ex-PRESS eyes had lower mean IOP (13.2 mmHg vs 16.5 mmHg, respectively; p=0.025). Percent IOP reduction was also similar at all time points except postoperative day 1, when trabeculectomy eyes were lower (75.5% vs 65.8%, respectively; p=0.003), likely due to a higher rate of early hypotony in trabeculectomy eyes versus Ex-PRESS eyes (47% vs 7%, respectively). Complete (without medications) and qualified (with or without medications) successes were more common at all IOP cut-off values in Ex-PRESS eyes than trabeculectomy eyes at last visit (p=0.015, p=0.015 respectively). Postoperative complications were uncommon in both groups, but trabeculectomy eyes required more postoperative interventions than Ex-PRESS eyes.

I. Mobility check of the device. II. Administration of a local or topical anesthetic. III. Preparation and coverage of the eye by conventional sterile procedures. IV. Injection of viscoelastic material into the AC through a paracenthesis. V. Creation of a scleral tunnel up to clear cornea. VI. Creation of a (5 mm) conjunctival tunnel fornix based. VII. Lifting of the conjunctiva and tenon. VIII. Formation of a 2mm scleral incision at 0.3mm depth, 1.5mm from the limbus. IX. Application of 0.5µg/ml MMC under the tunnel for one minute. X. Penetration into the AC using a 0.65mm stiletto, inside the tunnel of the sclera-corneal junction. XI. Implantation of the Ex-PRESSTM through that pre-incision at the sclerocorneal junction. XII. Introducer withdrawal. XIII. Tucking the plate under the scleral tunnel, and verification of the position inside the tunnel. XIV. Reposition the conjunctiva with 1 - 2 sutures at the limbus. XV. Closing the conjunctiva with a suture.

Inclusion Criteria: Subjects were at least 18 years of age and Had medically uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma requiring incisional surgery for reduction of intraocular pressure in both eyes. Subjects with prior cataract or failed filtration surgery in either eye were eligible to participate if surgery occurred at least 3 months prior to enrollment. Exclusion Criteria: Any form of glaucoma other than primary open-angle glaucoma; History of or active uveitis; or Any ocular abnormality that would prevent accurate assessment of intraocular pressure