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Nonpenetrating glaucoma device offers control in numerous ways, co-inventor says
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 George Baerveldt |
VIENNA, Austria — A nonpenetrating glaucoma device has predictable controlled infusion, standardized controlled incision, reproducible controlled ablation and standardized controlled aspiration, a surgeon said here.
George Baerveldt, MD, FCS(SA), co-invented the Trabectome (NeoMedix) with Roy Chuck, MD, PhD, obtaining a patent in 2002. He also invented the Baerveldt glaucoma implant.
At Glaucoma Day preceding the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting, Dr. Baerveldt discussed the Trabectome and its overall effectiveness. It works by removing "the pathology of glaucoma" of approximately 60° to 180° of the trabecular meshwork through electroablation surgery.
"With controlled surgery, we decrease the complications, and I believe this is an elegant trabecular meshwork surgery," Dr. Baerveldt said.
The Trabectome device is often used in earlier glaucoma cases, with target mean IOP about 15 mm Hg.
"Many patients' target mean IOP is around 15 mm Hg, and this is successful after failed trabeculectomies and glaucoma implants despite the fact that it's an easy, simple procedure," he said. "And like you've heard from other speakers, the Trabectome or other glaucoma surgeries are very effective [when combined] with phaco."
- Disclosure: Dr. Baerveldt is co-inventor, consultant and receives royalties for Trabectome.