Efficacy and safety of gold micro shunt implantation to the supraciliary space in patients with glaucoma: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Gold Micro Shunt (GMS) implantation to the supraciliary space in patients with glaucoma.

METHODS

A total of 38 patients with glaucoma with uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) underwent implantation of the GMS in this prospective 2-center study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraocular pressure and surgical complications.

RESULTS

A total of 38 patients with glaucoma participated. The mean follow-up time was 11.7 months. The IOP decreased a mean (SD) of 9 mm Hg from 27.6 (4.7) to 18.2 (4.6) mm Hg (P < .001). Surgical success was achieved in 30 patients (79%) (IOP >5 and <22 mm Hg, with or without antiglaucoma medication). Eight patients had mild to moderate transient hyphema.

CONCLUSIONS

Implantation of GMS to the supraciliary space is a safe and effective method of controlling IOP in patients with glaucoma. Use of the GMS resulted in a significant decrease in IOP.

APPLICATION TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The GMS could be an alternative surgical device to standard trabeculectomy.