title: Novel membrane-tube type glaucoma shunt device for glaucoma surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The background of this study is to introduce the surgical technique and outcomes of a novel membrane-tube (MT) type glaucoma shunt device (MicroMT), which was developed to achieve safer and more predictable intraocular pressure (IOP) control compared with conventional trabeculectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a retrospective, non-comparative, interventional case series study.
  
  
  METHODS
  The MicroMT was implanted in 43 glaucomatous eyes with insufficient IOP control despite medical treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  The MicroMT consists of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane and a silicone tube with an intraluminal stent, which allows aqueous drainage from the anterior chamber to the lamellar scleral flap. The intraluminal stent prevents excessive aqueous drainage and allows additional IOP reduction through retraction or removal of the stent.
  
  
  METHODS
  The main outcome measures of this study are IOP changes and complications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean (SD) IOP decreased from a preoperative value of 22.5 (6.9) mmHg to 11.1 (3.6) mmHg 3 years after the operation (50.7% reduction from baseline; P < 0.01). Intraluminal stent removal 4 weeks after the operation induced an additional 40.2% IOP reduction (P < 0.01). When success was defined as an IOP between 6 and 21 mmHg, and an IOP reduction of ≥20% from baseline, the success rate was 89.5% at 3 years after the operation. No postoperative ocular hypotony (IOP <6 mmHg) or tube-related complications occurred.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MicroMT implantation is a novel therapy that may reduce IOP safely and effectively, with no apparent risk of postoperative ocular hypotony. Glaucoma surgery using this device may be a good alternative to conventional glaucoma surgery.
authors.affiliation: Kim's Eye Hospital, Myung-Gok Eye Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Konyang University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Byung Heon
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Ahn
authors.affiliation: Kim's Eye Hospital, Myung-Gok Eye Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Konyang University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Young Hoon
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Samsung Medical Center, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Jong Chul
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Han
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D020327:Glaucoma Drainage Implants; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008875:Middle Aged; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012590:Sclera / Q000601:surgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014065:Tonometry, Ocular; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D058609:Visual Field Tests; D014794:Visual Fields / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene
keywords: glaucoma; glaucoma drainage device; intraocular pressure; surgery; trabeculectomy