Posterior repositioning of glaucoma implants for anterior segment complications.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of repositioning Baerveldt aqueous implant tubes from the anterior chamber into the vitreous cavity in the management of anterior chamber tube-related complications.


METHODS
Noncomparative case series.


METHODS
Nine eyes of eight consecutive subjects with anterior segment problems (corneal decompensation with a shallow anterior chamber or recurrent tube erosion unresponsive to conventional revision).


METHODS
Baerveldt implant tubes were repositioned from the anterior chamber into the vitreous cavity after pars plana vitrectomy.


METHODS
Preservation of visual acuity, maintenance of intraocular pressure (IOP) control, and resolution of the anterior segment problem.


RESULTS
Nine eyes of eight subjects were collaboratively managed by the operating glaucoma and vitreoretinal surgeons and followed postoperatively for an average time of 17 months (range, 2-42 months). Visual acuity remained stable or improved in seven of the nine eyes. IOP remained controlled in all eyes, with an average IOP of 14.3 +/- 3.0 standard deviation mmHg (range, 10-18 mmHg). Progression of the anterior segment problem, which dictated the revision, was halted in three of five eyes with corneal decompensation and shallow anterior chambers and in all eyes with recurrent tube erosion. Postoperative complications included one successfully repaired retinal detachment occurring 9 months postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Repositioning of an anterior chamber Baerveldt shunt tube into the vitreous cavity is a viable option for resolving recalcitrant tube-related anterior segment complications.
Joos
K M
KM
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
Laviña
A M
AM
Tawansy
K A
KA
Agarwal
A
A
D000368:Aged; D000869:Anterior Eye Segment / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000601:surgery*; D020327:Glaucoma Drainage Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery*; D012086:Reoperation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014821:Vitrectomy; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000601:surgery*