Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Spacer for Nonpenetrating Deep Sclerectomy Combined with Cataract Surgery

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Surgery
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Glaucoma management often requires surgical intervention to lower intraocular pressure (IOP).
• Nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS) is a surgical technique used to treat glaucoma.
• The use of implants in NPDS aims to enhance surgical outcomes and IOP control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and safety of NPDS combined with phacoemulsification (PE) using an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) implant versus NPDS without an implant.
• To evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and medication requirements post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• An interventional case series with a concurrent control group was conducted.
• Patients with medically uncontrolled glaucoma underwent PE-NPDS.
• The study group received an e-PTFE implant, while the control group did not.
• Outcomes were assessed at multiple time points up to 6 months postoperatively.

Main Results:

• Both groups achieved successful IOP reduction, with comparable rates of complete and qualified success at 6 months.
• Mean IOP decreased significantly in both the e-PTFE implant group and the control group.
• One case of implant exposure occurred, but IOP remained medically controlled.

Conclusions:

• The use of an e-PTFE implant in NPDS combined with PE yielded comparable short-term outcomes to NPDS without an implant.
• Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is necessary to fully ascertain the efficacy and safety profile of the e-PTFE implant.