Bleb Analysis and Short-Term Results of Biodegradable Collagen Matrix-Augmented Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation: 6-Month Follow-up.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the short-term efficacy of a biodegradable collagen matrix (BCM) as an adjuvant for Ahmed valve implantation surgery to prevent the hypertensive phase.


METHODS
This prospective study included 43 refractory glaucoma eyes, all followed for 6 months. Refractory glaucoma was defined as an IOP higher than 20 mm Hg with antiglaucoma eye drops without previous glaucoma surgery. Conventional method was performed in 21 eyes and BCM-augmented Ahmed valve implantation (BAAVI) in 22 eyes. In the BAAVI group, a 10 × 10 × 2-mm BCM was sutured on an Ahmed glaucoma valve FP7 model. Complete success was defined as an IOP of 21 mm Hg or lower (target IOP 1) or 17 mm Hg or lower (target IOP 2) without antiglaucoma medications and qualified success as an IOP of 21 mm Hg or lower with or without medications. Maximal bleb thickness was measured using anterior segment optical coherence tomography images.


RESULTS
The preoperative IOPs and numbers of preoperative antiglaucoma medications were similar for both groups. Complete target IOP 1 success rates were 38.1% and 86.4%, complete target IOP 2 success rates were 19.0% and 59.1%, and qualified success rates were 52.4% and 90.9% in the conventional and BAAVI groups, respectively (P < 0.05). The hypertensive phase rate was lower in the BAAVI group (4.5% vs. 47.6%, P = 0.002). Maximal bleb thickness was increased in the BAAVI group on postoperative days 30 and 180 (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Success rates were higher in the BAAVI group than in the conventional group with the change of bleb morphology. Furthermore, use of BCM significantly decreased the need for antiglaucoma medications for at least 6 months postoperatively.
Department of Ophthalmology CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.
Seungsoo
S
Rho
Department of Ophthalmology CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.
Youngje
Y
Sung
Jeil Eye Clinic, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
Kyoung Tak
KT
Ma
Department of Ophthalmology, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea.
Sae Heun
SH
Rho
Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Chan Yun
CY
Kim
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000368:Aged; D000869:Anterior Eye Segment / Q000473:pathology*; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001768:Blister / Q000473:pathology; D003094:Collagen / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D020327:Glaucoma Drainage Implants; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence / Q000379:methods; D014792:Visual Acuity
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D003094:Collagen