[Glaucoma surgery with insertion of silicone catheters. A study based on animal experiments (author's transl)]

10 rabbits have been submitted to thermosklerostomy and insertion of a silicone catheter. The tube exhibiting an inner diameter of 0.5 mm and an outer diameter of 0.94 mm, respectively the total length measuring 5 mm, and projecting about 1.5 mm in the anterior chamber. Fixation of the tube has been accomplished at its distal end to the underlying sclera by 2 X 10-0-nylon sutures, and of the proximal end with two more sutures to the corneal lip of the wound taking a bite through total corneal thickness. Within the observation period of 2-8 months no migration of the catheter has been detected; in addition no erosion of the conjunctiva, and no inflammatory reaction or occlusion of the catheter lumen occurred. In 5 cases the intraocular pressure has been measured between the 2nd and 4th postoperative month; in all cases a reduction of the intraocular tension compared to the non operated fellow eye has been found, hypotonic values were not encountered.