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[Implant in Schlemm's canal. A new method for regulating intraocular pressure in patients with primary open-angle
Background:
A surgical technique was developed using a Schlemm's canal implant to bypass the obstruction of outflow of the juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. The implant device should also bridge healing processes after trabeculotomy and laser techniques.
Patients And Methods:
An 8- to 15-mm-long silicone tube was implanted in each of two human autopsy eyes connecting the anterior chamber directly with Schlemm's canal. Serial sectioning was performed at two sections of 1-mm length.
Results:
Implantation of the tube was technically uneventful. Histological examination showed no evidence of mechanical disruption of the endothelial lining of the inner wall of Schlemm's canal.
Conclusion:
These preliminary results demonstrate the possibility of shunting aqueous directly into Schlemm's canal using a silicone tube. A clinical study in a selected group of patients is planned.