[Intracanalicular trabeculostomy--a new approach to glaucoma surgery].
BACKGROUND
A new "ab externo" technique for glaucoma trabecular surgery creating multiple perforations of the trabeculum to improve outflow facility was tested.


METHODS
In order to perform a draining canal to the anterior chamber, a quartz fiber (phi: 300 microns) with a side-firing tip, coupled to an Er:YAG laser (2.94 microns), was inserted into Schlemm's canal of an enucleated human eye.


RESULTS
Eight pulses of 8 mJ each were sufficient to perforate the trabecular meshwork. Histologic analysis showed a rippled canal with 50 microns average diameter and a surrounding necrosis zone of 15-35 microns.


CONCLUSIONS
The Er:YAG laser trabeculostomy, in conjunction with special fibers, shows promise as a new "ab externo" technique for minimally invasive therapy of open angle glaucoma.
Kampmeier
J
J
Universitäts-Augenklinik und Poliklinik, Universität Ulm. juergenk@hsc.usc.edu
Stock
K
K
Hibst
R
R
Lang
G E
GE
Steiner
R
R
Lang
G K
GK
D019723:Endoscopes; D004867:Equipment Design; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006068:Gonioscopy / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation; D014129:Trabecular Meshwork / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*
Intrakanaläre Trabekulostomie--Ein neuer Ansatz in der Glaukomchirurgie.