Postoperative pressure regulation in glaucoma shunt surgery: focal tube constriction is not the answer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate, in a laboratory setting, the accuracy and the clinical use of focal tube constriction as a means to regulate intraocular pressure after glaucoma drainage implant surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A silicone tube identical to the one used in the Baerveldt and other glaucoma drainage implants was connected to a syringe-pump delivering a continuous flow of demineralized water at a rate of 2.5 microliters per minute. Focal constriction of the tube was obtained by a ring made of a shape-memory metal alloy designed for this purpose. After complete occlusion of the tube lumen by crimping the ring with calibrated pliers, the ring was opened in a stepwise manner by heating it with an argon laser beam. In a second experiment the tube lumen was constricted by placing the tube between the jaws of a micrometer. RESULTS: In both experiments a stepwise lowering of the pressure could be obtained. The resulting pressure levels, however, lacked consistency and predictability to such an extent that clinical application is not feasible. CONCLUSION: It is not possible to regulate pressure in a reliable and predictable way merely by constricting the tube lumen of glaucoma drainage implants.

Biomechanical evaluation of a novel nucleus pulposus prosthesis in canine cadaveric spines.

Partial disc replacement is a new surgical technique aimed at restoring functionality to degenerated intervertebral discs (IVDs). The aim of the present study was to assess biomechanically the behaviour of a novel nucleus pulposus prosthesis (NPP) in situ and its ability to restore functionality to the canine IVD after nuclectomy alone or after combined dorsal laminectomy and nuclectomy. Nine canine T13-L5 specimens (L2L3 group) and 10 L5-Cd1 specimens (LS group) were tested biomechanically in the native state, after nuclectomy (L2L3 group) or after combined dorsal laminectomy and nuclectomy (LS group), and after insertion of the NPP. Range of motion (ROM), neutral zone (NZ), and neutral zone stiffness (NZS) were determined in flexion/extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. Nuclectomy alone and combined dorsal laminectomy and nuclectomy caused significant instability in all motion directions. Implantation of the NPP resulted in significant restoration of the parameters (ROM, NZ, and NZS) towards the native state; however, fragmentation/herniation of the NPP occurred in 47% of the cases. In conclusion, the NPP has the ability to improve functionality of the nuclectomized canine IVD. The high rate of NPP failure requires modifications directed at the integrity of the NPP and its confinement to the nuclear cavity.