Abstract
Purpose :
To evaluate the efficacy of the new Ahmed ClearPath® glaucoma drainage device in the treatment of refractory primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).
Methods :
Intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications, and complications were retrospectively reviewed in POAG patients over 18 years old who underwent Ahmed ClearPath® implantation surgery at our institution with 24 months of follow-up. Patients with previous ocular procedures such as phacoemulsification (n=11), Micropulse transscleral photocoagulation (n=7), and Xen gel stent implantation (n=4) were included.
Results :
12 eyes of 11 patients (mean age 72.3 ± 13.8 years) fit inclusion criteria and were enrolled. Most patients were Caucasian (n=9), female (n=11), and had severe POAG (n=11). Mean baseline IOP was 29.0 ± 7.6 and was reduced to 11.2 ± 3.9, 7.9 ± 4.2, 10.9 ± 5.6, and 11.2 ± 4.6 at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months respectively. Compared to baseline, IOP reductions were 61.4%, 72.8%, 62.4%, and 61.4%. 80% of patients who made the 24-month follow-up reached an IOP of ≤ 14 mmHg. Mean baseline number of medications was 3.0 ± 0.9 and was reduced to 0.67 ± 0.8, 0.57 ± 0.8, 0.7 ± 1.0, and 0.6 ± 0.5 at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months respectively. Compared to baseline, medication reductions were 77.7%, 81%, 76.3%, and 80%. Mild hyphema was noted as a post-operative complication in half of the population (n=6), but resolved during each one month follow-up. No long-term complications were observed.
Conclusions :
To our knowledge, this is the first long-term study evaluating the efficacy of the Ahmed ClearPath drainage device in adult patients. The ClearPath device is safe and effective at reducing both IOP and medication burdens in patients with severe POAG. Additionally, minimal short-term complications were noted and no patients within our study experienced long-term adverse effects, increasing comfort for both the surgeon and the patient.
This abstract was presented at the 2022 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Denver, CO, May 1-4, 2022, and virtually.