Truncation of In Situ Baerveldt Glaucoma Drainage Device for Treatment of Late Persistent Postoperative Hypotony.

PURPOSE: To describe a new technique to treat late persistent hypotony after Baerveldt glaucoma drainage device surgery.

METHODS

Review of 2 cases treated with in situ truncation of one or both wings of the Baerveldt device, combined with permanent but releasable tube occlusion.

RESULTS

Two eyes with persistent hypotony underwent in situ truncation of one or both wings of the Baerveldt device with resolution of hypotony. Recurrence of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in both cases required reversal of tube occlusion, after which the IOP has remained both well controlled and sufficiently elevated to avoid complications of hypotony over 13 and 43 months.

CONCLUSIONS

In situ truncation of Baerveldt drainage device with permanent, releasable tube occlusion offers a safe and effective intervention for eyes with late hypotony, and also allows for maintenance of IOP control long term.