Extension of retracted glaucoma drainage tube using a 22-gauge intravenous catheter in complex pediatric glaucoma

To describe the use of the readily available, sterile, and economical 22-gauge intravenous catheter (Venflon) as a preferable option for extending the tube of glaucoma drainage devices in cases of tube retraction in complex pediatric cases.

A report of noncomparative retrospective evaluation of 2 pediatric cases with tube retraction treated with the extension of the tube. The tube of the drainage devices (1 Baerveldt and 1 Molteno) was extended using a segment of a 22-gauge intravenous catheter (Venflon). The available follow-up for both the cases is 8.5 months.

In both cases an adequate length of the tube was obtained in the anterior chamber. In the first case an excellent drainage bleb formed over the plate and the intraocular pressure (IOP) reduced from 28 to 11 mm Hg. In the second case only a 25% reduction of IOP (from 40 to 30 mm Hg) and a shallow bleb was seen for a few weeks only as extensive fibrosis over the plate limited the drainage. There has been no displacement of the tube in the follow-up period.

The readily available, sterile, and economical 22-gauge intravenous catheter (venflon) segment is a structurally and functionally appropriate, and cost effective option for extension of both Baerveldt and Molteno drainage implants in complex pediatric cases. However other factors limiting drainage from tube, such as extensive scarring over the plate may limit the reduction of IOP.