[Clinical experience in glaucoma surgery utilizing silicon catheters (author's transl)]

Abstract

In 7 probands exhibiting haemorrhagic glaucoma a combined thermosclerostomy with insertion of a silicons tubing (with or without basal iridectomy) has been performed. The catheter had an inner diameter of 0,5 mm, measuring about 5 mm in length and projecting about 1,5 mm into the anterior chamber. The tubing has been anchored proximally with two nylon sutures (10--0) to the corneal wound edge going through full thickness cornea; the distal end has been anchored with two more nylon sutures to underlying sclera. Tenon's capsules and conjunctiva were closed separately. In all cases the tubing has been well tolerated and did not exhibit any sign of displacement, the intracameral opening remained patent. During an observation period of 3--16 months with or without additional antiglaucomatous medication an intraocular pressure between 14--22 mm Hg could be achieved; all patients remained asymptomatic.