Krupin disk implantation for complicated glaucomas.
BACKGROUND
The Krupin Eye Valve with Disk (Krupin disk) is a glaucoma shunt that incorporates a slit valve intended to minimize early postoperative hypotony.


METHODS
The medical records of all patients who have undergone Krupin disk implantation at the Doheny Eye Institute between July 1990 and December 1992 (25 eyes of 25 patients) were reviewed.


RESULTS
Intraocular pressure (IOP) was reduced from a mean of 36.1 +/- 11.5 mmHg to 15.3 +/- 7.5 mmHg at follow-up intervals of 4 to 19 months (mean, 13.2 months). On the first postoperative day, IOPs ranged from 0 to 40 mmHg. In two eyes (8%), the IOP was less than 6 mmHg, and in five eyes (20%) the IOP was more than 21 mmHg. Serous choroidal effusion and/or choroidal hemorrhage occurred in seven patients (28%). Six- and 12-month life-table success rates (6 < or = IOP < or = 21 mmHg) were 84% and 66%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The Krupin disk lowers IOP in most patients; however, the presence of a slit valve does not eliminate either early postoperative hypotony with its attendant complications or early IOP spikes.
Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90033-4666.
P S
PS
Fellenbaum
A R
AR
Almeida
D S
DS
Minckler
P A
PA
Sidoti
G
G
Baerveldt
D K
DK
Heuer
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001082:Aqueous Humor / Q000378:metabolism; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011379:Prognosis; D019736:Prostheses and Implants