Fixation of external drainage device with injectable shape-memory alloy clips

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a novel surgical technique and novel surgical instrumentation for fixating an extraocular drainage device used for glaucoma-filtering surgery.

Materials and methods: The technique was performed in a laboratory setting using ex-vivo porcine eyes. We describe the surgical technique of using injectable, 25-gauge shape-memory clip system to fixate an Ahmed drainage device.

Results: The use of an injectable, shape-memory alloy clip provides the advantages of rapid, easy deployment and decreased risk of late suture failure. Importantly, the injectable, shape-memory clips can be used in surgical situations where suturing is difficult and time intensive, such as those encountered during glaucoma drainage device placement.

Conclusions: The use of an injectable, shape-memory alloy clip is a promising new surgical tool and technique for fixating an extraocular drainage device used for glaucoma surgery.