title: Minimally invasive external mini-glaucoma shunt implantation without conjunctival dissection.
abstract: The current method for implantation of the Ex-PRESS Glaucoma Filtration Device requires a conjunctival peritomy and shunt insertion under the guarded protection of a scleral flap. This technique requires suture closure of the flap and conjunctiva. A new minimally invasive technique for Ex-PRESS shunt implantation allows for insertion through a scleral tunnel originating from a grooved clear corneal incision. This new method avoids the need for conjunctival dissection and closure and offers the advantages of eliminating conjunctival wound leaks while maintaining the protection of a partial thickness scleral covering. This new technique may offer a faster safer means for shunt implantation with the potential for less conjunctival scarring.
authors.affiliation: *Drs Fine Hoffman & Packer LLC, Eugene, OR †John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT ‡Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI.
authors.forename: Richard S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Hoffman
authors.forename: Alan S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Crandall
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Crandall
authors.forename: I Howard
authors.initials: IH
authors.lastname: Fine
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Packer
authors.forename: Annette C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Sims
mesh_terms: D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000601:surgery*; D017889:Exfoliation Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D020327:Glaucoma Drainage Implants; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013536:Suture Techniques