Glaucoma Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Glaucoma, including details on cataracts, surgery, treatment, blindness.

Long-term success in the correction of exposed glaucoma drainage tubes with a tube extender.

Merrill KD, Suhr AW, Lim MC

Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California 95817, USA.

PURPOSE: To report long-term success of surgical correction of exposed glaucoma drainage device (GDD) tubes with a commercially available tube extender. DESIGN: Observational case series. METHODS: Chart review of surgical correction for GDD tube exposure by rerouting the tube using the New World Medical Tube Extender (NWMTE; New World Medical, Rancho Cucamonga, California, USA). RESULTS: Surgical revision of GDD tube exposure with the NWMTE controlled intraocular pressure without repeat exposure up to three years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: A tube extender can provide long-term correction of an exposed GDD tube by bypassing weakened tissue, thus avoiding or delaying a second implant surgery.

Published 2 July 2007 in Am J Ophthalmol, 144(1): 136-7.
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