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Glaucoma micro-stent shows good, stable IOP-lowering effects over long term
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MILAN — The CyPass micro-stent is a safe and minimally invasive technology that allows for effective and stable reduction of IOP, according to one surgeon.
“Finally we have a minimally invasive procedure for glaucoma that works, has no risk of severe complications and maintains a steady IOP controlled with the support of a reduced number of medications or no medications at all,” Magda Rau, MD, said at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting.
Magda Rau
Rau, one of the pioneers of CyPass micro-stent (Transcend Medical) surgery, participated in the CyCLE and DUETTE clinical trials and has a lot of personal experience with the device, with some patients achieving 2.5 years of follow-up.
The CyCLE study included 462 patients who were implanted with the CyPass micro-stent as a standalone procedure or in combination with cataract surgery. Rau reported the results of the first group, which she said are more significant in demonstrating the efficacy of the device.
The group included patients with uncontrolled and controlled glaucoma. Preoperatively, more than 50% had IOP higher than 21 mm Hg, and the mean number of medications was 2.4. Postoperatively, a mean IOP of 17 mm Hg was achieved, and medications were reduced to 1.4.
Rau has personally implanted more than 90 patients with the micro-stent. She said that patients experience no pain after the operation, visual acuity remains unchanged, and optical rehabilitation is very short.
“Reduction of IOP is very effective, fast and stable. At 2.5 years there is still no need to add medications, and quite a few of my patients take no medications at all,” she said.
Disclosure: Rau has no relevant financial disclosures.