The role of primary needle revision after Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of primary needle revision after Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) implantation in comparison with glaucoma medication use. METHODS: In this interventional case series, 23 eyes of 23 patients who underwent AGV implantation were enrolled. Needle revision was performed when the intraocular pressure was higher than the target pressure before glaucoma medications. Using a 30-gauge needle, the Tenon's capsule over the plate was incised and the bleb was reformed. Patients were examined on a postoperative day one, weekly (for four weeks), and every 1-3 months. Two criteria were used to define cumulative success as a minimum 20% reduction in IOP and 5 < IOP ≤ 21 mmHg (Criteria A) or 5 < IOP ≤ 18 mmHg (Criteria B) without (Complete success) or with (Qualified success) glaucoma medication. RESULTS: In this pilot study, we enrolled 23 patients with a mean age of 53.8 ± 12.4 years (25-78 years) who underwent AGV implantation and a one-year follow-up period. The mean number of primary needle revision was 2.2 ± 1.6 (1-6). One year postoperatively, the cumulative success rate was 91.4% and 86.9% based on Criteria A and B, respectively. The average of preoperative IOP was 28.26 ± 8.86 mmHg (range 15-46 mmHg), reaching 13.78 ± 3.54 mmHg (range 8-20) at the end of the one-year follow-up. (P < 0.001) The mean preoperative medication significantly decreased from a median of 4 (range 3-4) at baseline to 2 (range 1-4) after the one-year follow-up (P < 0.001). One patient experienced leakage over the plate, which was successfully treated via conservative management. CONCLUSION: This pilot study showed that primary needle revision is a safe and effective method for controlling IOP after AGV implantation with a lower need for medication.

Revisión con agujas y uso de bevacizumab en bulas de filtración encapsuladas / Needle revision and the use of bevacizumab in encapsulated filtration blebs

Objetivo: determinar la efectividad a mediano plazo de la revisión con aguja asociada a bevacizumab (avastin) en ampollas de filtración encapsuladas postrabeculectomía. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo-prospectivo, de serie de casos (14 ojos, 14 pacientes), con antecedentes de quiste de Tenon a corto plazo postrabeculectomía (2 meses - 1 año). Se realizó revisión con aguja asociada a inyección subconjuntival de avastin (1 mg) hasta completar 3 dosis en días alternos. Se evaluaron la presión intraocular y el uso de colirios hipotensores preoperatorio y posoperatorio a la semana, 1 mes, 3 meses y 1 año. Se definió el éxito total (si en el posoperatorio la PIO era menor o igual a 21 mmHg sin necesidad de colirios hipotensores); parcial (si la PIO era menor o igual a 21 mmHg con el uso de hasta dos fármacos); y sin éxito (si la PIO era menor o igual a 21 mmHg con 3 colirios hipotensores o mayor que 21 mmHg). Se registraron las complicaciones quirúrgicas. Resultados: la edad media fue de 59,3 ± 8,4 (43-75). Predominó el sexo femenino (57 por ciento) y no existieron diferencias en cuanto al color de piel (7/7). El grado de reducción de la PIO fue regular a la semana y al mes, y malo a los 3 meses y al año, lo que requirió una nueva cirugía en 11 casos (78,6 por ciento). Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron: hemorragia subconjuntival (71,4 por ciento de casos) y Seidel positivo (21,4 por ciento). Conclusiones: la revisión con aguja asociada al uso de avastin subconjuntival como tratamiento de la ampolla encapsulada no logra una reducción significativa de la presión intraocular(AU)

Objective: determine the medium-term effectiveness of needle revision with bevacizumab (avastin) in encapsulated filtration blebs after trabeculectomy. Methods: an observational descriptive prospective case-series study was conducted of 14 eyes of 14 patients with a history of Tenon cyst shortly (2 months - 1 year) after trabeculectomy. Needle revision was performed by avastin subconjunctival injection (1 mg) until completing 3 doses on alternate days. Evaluation of intraocular pressure and the use of hypotensive collyriums before and after surgery was conducted at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 1 year. Definitions were made of total success (IOP minor or equal 21 mmHg in the postoperative period without hypotensive collyriums), partial success (IOP minor or equal 21 mmHg with up to two drugs), and no success (IOP minor or equal 21 mmHg with 3 hypotensive collyriums or greater than 21 mmHg). Surgical complications were recorded. Results: mean age was 59.3 ± 8.4 (43-75) years. Female sex prevailed (57 percent) and no differences were found based on skin color (7/7). The degree of IOP reduction was fair at one week and one month, and bad at 3 months and one year, 11 cases (78.6 percent) requiring new surgery. The most common complications were subconjunctival hemorrhage (71.4 percent of the cases) and positive Seidel (21.4 percent). Conclusions: needle revision with subconjunctival avastin to treat encapsulated blebs does not achieve a significant reduction in intraocular pressure(AU)

Revisión con aguja asociada a mitomicina C en ampollas de filtración encapsuladas / Mitomycin C-associated needle revision in encapsulated filtering blebs

Objetivo: determinar la efectividad a mediano plazo de la revisión con aguja asociada a mitomicina C en la ampolla de filtración encapsulada postrabeculectomía.Métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo, prospectivo de serie de casos (30 ojos, 30 pacientes), con antecedentes de quiste de Tenon a corto plazo postrabeculectomía (1 mes-1 año). Se realizó revisión con aguja asociada a inyección subconjuntival MMC 0,01 por ciento hasta completar 3 dosis en días alternos. Se evaluaron la presión intraocular y el uso de colirios hipotensores preoperatorio y posoperatorio a la semana, 1 mes, 3 meses, 1 año y 2 años. Se definió éxito si la presión intraocular era menor de 21 mmHg sin colirio hipotensor (éxito total) y con colirios hipotensores (éxito parcial). Se registraron las complicaciones quirúrgicas. Resultados: hubo descenso significativo de la presión intraocular media preoperatoria de 27,06 ± 5,2 mmHg a 13,10 ± 3,65 mmHg, 14,83 ± 3,68 mmHg y 16,70 ± 3,38 mmHg a la semana, 1 y 3 meses posoperatorios respectivamente, y se mantuvo estable hasta 2 años (16,70 ± 2,18 mmHg); p< 0,001 para cada comparación preoperatorio vs. posoperatorio), lo que representó una reducción de la presión intraocular del 51,8 por ciento a la semana; 44,4 por ciento al mes y 37 por ciento hasta los 2 años. La media del número de colirios hipotensores se redujo significativamente de 2,0 ± 0,0 (preoperatorio) a 0,4 ± 0,0 (2 años posoperatorios), p< 0,001. El éxito fue total en el 70 por ciento de los casos y parcial en el 30 por ciento, tras 2 años posoperatorios. Las complicaciones fueron: hemorragia subconjuntival (100 por ciento de casos), atalamia (40 por ciento) y Seidel positivo (26,7 por ciento).Conclusiones: la revisión con aguja asociada a mitomicina C subconjuntival como tratamiento de la ampolla encapsulada, logra reducción del 37 por ciento de la presión intraocular durante los dos primeros años posoperatorios con un mínimo de complicaciones(AU)

Objective: to determine the medium-term effectiveness of subconjuntival mitomicyn-C associated to needle revision on encapsulated filtering bleb after trabeculectomy. Methods: prospective, descriptive and observational case series study (30 eyes, 30 patients) with a history of Tenon cyst after short term trabeculectomy (1month-1year). These patients underwent needle revision associated to subconjuntival 0,01 percent mitomycin injection to completing three doses in every other day. The intraocular pressure and the use of hypotensive drops preoperatively and postoperatively were evaluated seven days, one month, three months, one year and two years after the procedure. The success of intervention was defined as total when the intraocular pressure was less than 21mmHg without hypotensive drops and partial with hypotensive drops. Surgical complications were recorded. Results: the mean preoperative intraocular pressure decreased significantly from 27,06 ± 5,2 mmHg to 13,10 ± 3,3 mmHg, 14,83 ± 3,68 mmHg and 16,70 ± 3,38 mmHg one week, one month and three months after surgery and remained stable (16,70 ± 2,18 mmHg) for 2 years, p< 0,001 for each preoperative and postoperative comparison; this represented an intraocular pressure reduction of 51,8 percent; 44,4 percent and 37 percent after one week, one month, and up to 2 years, respectively. The mean number of hypotensive drops lowered significantly from 2,0 ± 0,0 (preoperative) to 0,4 ± 0,0 (two years after surgery), being p< 0,001. Total success was attained in 70 percent of cases and partial in 30 percent after 2 years. Surgical complications were subconjuntival haemorrhage (in all patients), atalamy (40 percent) and positive Seidel index (26,7 percent).Conclusion: subconjuntival mitomicyn-C injection-associated needle revision for encapsulated bleb reduces intraocular pressure by 37 % during the first 2 years after the procedure with minimal complications(AU)

Revisión con aguja asociada a mitomicina C en ampollas de filtración encapsuladas / Mitomycin C-associated needle revision in encapsulated filtering blebs

Objetivo: determinar la efectividad a mediano plazo de la revisión con aguja asociada a mitomicina C en la ampolla de filtración encapsulada postrabeculectomía. Métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo, prospectivo de serie de casos (30 ojos, 30 pacientes), con antecedentes de quiste de Tenon a corto plazo postrabeculectomía (1 mes-1 año). Se realizó revisión con aguja asociada a inyección subconjuntival MMC 0,01 % hasta completar 3 dosis en días alternos. Se evaluaron la presión intraocular y el uso de colirios hipotensores preoperatorio y posoperatorio a la semana, 1 mes, 3 meses, 1 año y 2 años. Se definió éxito si la presión intraocular era menor de 21 mmHg sin colirio hipotensor (éxito total) y con colirios hipotensores (éxito parcial). Se registraron las complicaciones quirúrgicas. Resultados: hubo descenso significativo de la presión intraocular media preoperatoria de 27,06 ± 5,2 mmHg a 13,10 ± 3,65 mmHg, 14,83 ± 3,68 mmHg y 16,70 ± 3,38 mmHg a la semana, 1 y 3 meses posoperatorios respectivamente, y se mantuvo estable hasta 2 años (16,70 ± 2,18 mmHg); p< 0,001 para cada comparación preoperatorio vs. posoperatorio), lo que representó una reducción de la presión intraocular del 51,8 por ciento a la semana; 44,4 por ciento al mes y 37 por ciento hasta los 2 años. La media del número de colirios hipotensores se redujo significativamente de 2,0 ± 0,0 (preoperatorio) a 0,4 ± 0,0 (2 años posoperatorios), p< 0,001. El éxito fue total en el 70 por ciento de los casos y parcial en el 30 por ciento, tras 2 años posoperatorios. Las complicaciones fueron: hemorragia subconjuntival (100 por ciento de casos), atalamia (40 por ciento) y Seidel positivo (26,7 por ciento). Conclusiones: la revisión con aguja asociada a mitomicina C subconjuntival como tratamiento de la ampolla encapsulada, logra reducción del 37 por ciento de la presión intraocular durante los dos primeros años posoperatorios con un mínimo de complicaciones(AU)

Objective: to determine the medium-term effectiveness of subconjuntival mitomicyn-C associated to needle revision on encapsulated filtering bleb after trabeculectomy. Methods: prospective, descriptive and observational case series study (30 eyes, 30 patients) with a history of Tenon cyst after short term trabeculectomy (1month-1year). These patients underwent needle revision associated to subconjuntival 0,01 percent mitomycin injection to completing three doses in every other day. The intraocular pressure and the use of hypotensive drops preoperatively and postoperatively were evaluated seven days, one month, three months, one year and two years after the procedure. The success of intervention was defined as total when the intraocular pressure was less than 21mmHg without hypotensive drops and partial with hypotensive drops. Surgical complications were recorded. Results: the mean preoperative intraocular pressure decreased significantly from 27,06 ± 5,2 mmHg to 13,10 ± 3,3 mmHg, 14,83 ± 3,68 mmHg and 16,70 ± 3,38 mmHg one week, one month and three months after surgery and remained stable (16,70 ± 2,18 mmHg) for 2 years, p< 0,001 for each preoperative and postoperative comparison; this represented an intraocular pressure reduction of 51,8 percent; 44,4 percent and 37 percent after one week, one month, and up to 2 years, respectively. The mean number of hypotensive drops lowered significantly from 2,0 ± 0,0 (preoperative) to 0,4 ± 0,0 (two years after surgery), being p< 0,001. Total success was attained in 70 percent of cases and partial in 30 percent after 2 years. Surgical complications were subconjuntival haemorrhage (in all patients), atalamy (40 percent) and positive Seidel index (26,7 percent). Conclusion: subconjuntival mitomicyn-C injection-associated needle revision for encapsulated bleb reduces intraocular pressure by 37 percent during the first 2 years after the procedure with minimal complications(AU)

Clinical observation of needle revision and 5-fluorouracil subconjunctive injection for the dysfunctional filtering blebs / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of needle revision with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on the dysfunctional filtering blebs after trabeculectomy and to assess the factors that may impact the success. METHODS:Eighty- three eyes in 76 patients underwent the needle revision and 5-FU subconjunctive injection for the dysfunctional blebs after trabeculectomy and were followed up for 12mo. The intraocular pressure ( IOP), the number of drugs, corneal endothclium, bleb morphology and complications were observed and recorded. RESULTS: IOP decreased significantly from 35. 3 ±5. 8mmHg(1kPa = 7. 5mmHg) of pre - needling to 17. 0 ±4. 3mmHg of post - needling ( P CONCLUSION: The needle revision combined with 5-FU is a safe, effective and simple method. Dysfunctional blebs should be treated early after trabeculectomy.

Revisión con aguja tras implante de válvula de Ahmed en la ciclitis heterocrómica de Fuchs / Needle revision after Ahmed valve implantation in the management of Fuch´s heterochromic cyclitis

La ciclitis heterocrómica de Fuchs es una uveítis crónica que puede ser asintomática por años o expresar solo la heterocromía antes que aparezca cualquier otro signo. El glaucoma se considera una de las complicaciones más difíciles de tratar, y requiere cirugía en múltiples ocasiones. Los dispositivos de drenaje están siendo cada vez más utilizados como alternativa de tratamiento quirúrgico en estos casos. Asiste a la consulta mádica una paciente de 36 años de edad, con antecedentes de uveítis crónica unilateral del ojo izquierdo asociado a catarata y glaucoma descompensado, a pesar del tratamiento médico. Se presenta con 50 VAR de visión y presión intraocular de 32 mmHg. Se realizó cirugía combinada: facoemulsificación e implante de válvula Ahmed modelo S2 con mitomicina C (0,2 mg/mL) durante cinco minutos. Se diagnostica ampolla de filtración encapsulada en la octava semana. Se realiza revisión con aguja y subconjuntival de 1 mg de bevacizumab (avastin) subtenoniano en área de la filtrante. La inyección se repite días alternos hasta completar tres dosis según protocolo institucional. Se logran cifras de presión intraocular de 17 mmHg y agudeza visual mejor corregida de 95 VAR a los 18 meses posoperatorios(AU)

Fuch´s heterochromic cyclitis is chronic uveitis that may be asymptomatic for years or may express heretochromia just before the onset of any other sign. Glaucoma is considered one of the most difficult complications to be treated and requires multiple surgeries. Drainage devices are increasingly used as a surgical treatment option in these cases. Here is the case of a 36 years-old woman with a history of unilateral chronic uveitis in her left eye associated to cataract and decompensate glaucoma despite the medical therapy. She presented with 50 VAR visual acuity and 32 mmHg intraocular pressure. She underwent combined surgery based on phacoemulsification and S2 model Ahmed valve implantation with mitomycin C (0,2 mg/mL) for 5 minutes. The diagnosis was encapsulated filtering bleb at the 8th week of operation. Subconjuctival needle revision with one mg of subtenial bevacizumab (avastin) in the bleb area was performed. Injection was administered every other day till completion of three doses according to the institutional protocol. Eighteen months after the surgery, the intraocular pressure was 17nnHg and the best corrected visual acuity reached 95 VAR best corrected visual acuity(AU)

Revisión con aguja tras implante de válvula de Ahmed en la ciclitis heterocrómica de Fuchs / Needle revision after Ahmed valve implantation in the management of Fuch´s heterochromic cyclitis

La ciclitis heterocrómica de Fuchs es una uveítis crónica que puede ser asintomática por años o expresar solo la heterocromía antes que aparezca cualquier otro signo. El glaucoma se considera una de las complicaciones más difíciles de tratar, y requiere cirugía en múltiples ocasiones. Los dispositivos de drenaje están siendo cada vez más utilizados como alternativa de tratamiento quirúrgico en estos casos. Asiste a la consulta médica una paciente de 36 años de edad, con antecedentes de uveítis crónica unilateral del ojo izquierdo asociado a catarata y glaucoma descompensado, a pesar del tratamiento médico. Se presenta con 50 VAR de visión y presión intraocular de 32 mmHg. Se realizó cirugía combinada: facoemulsificación e implante de válvula Ahmed modelo S2 con mitomicina C (0,2 mg/mL) durante cinco minutos. Se diagnostica ampolla de filtración encapsulada en la octava semana. Se realiza revisión con aguja y subconjuntival de 1 mg de bevacizumab (avastin) subtenoniano en área de la filtrante. La inyección se repite días alternos hasta completar tres dosis según protocolo institucional. Se logran cifras de presión intraocular de 17 mmHg y agudeza visual mejor corregida de 95 VAR a los 18 meses posoperatorios(AU)

Fuch´s heterochromic cyclitis is chronic uveitis that may be asymptomatic for years or may express heretochromia just before the onset of any other sign. Glaucoma is considered one of the most difficult complications to be treated and requires multiple surgeries. Drainage devices are increasingly used as a surgical treatment option in these cases. Here is the case of a 36 years-old woman with a history of unilateral chronic uveitis in her left eye associated to cataract and decompensate glaucoma despite the medical therapy. She presented with 50 VAR visual acuity and 32 mmHg intraocular pressure. She underwent combined surgery based on phacoemulsification and S2 model Ahmed valve implantation with mitomycin C (0,2 mg/mL) for 5 minutes. The diagnosis was encapsulated filtering bleb at the 8th week of operation. Subconjuctival needle revision with one mg of subtenial bevacizumab (avastin) in the bleb area was performed. Injection was administered every other day till completion of three doses according to the institutional protocol. Eighteen months after the surgery, the intraocular pressure was 17nnHg and the best corrected visual acuity reached 95 VAR best corrected visual acuity(AU)

Blunt needle revision with viscoelastic materials via the anterior chamber for early failed filtering blebs after trabeculectomy.

PURPOSE: To report a new technique of blunt needle revision with viscoelastic materials via the anterior chamber for the treatment of early failed filtering blebs and elevated intraocular pressure after trabeculectomy, in which digital ocular massage and laser suture lysis have been ineffective. METHODS: A 27-gauge blunt needle attached to a syringe containing viscoelastic material was inserted into the anterior chamber from the inferior paracentesis. The needle tip was inserted into the subscleral flap space from the filtering fistula at the anterior chamber side, and the scleral flap was lifted bluntly. The needle tip was then inserted into the subconjunctival space where the viscoelastic agent was injected and the adhesion between the sclera and conjunctiva was separated bluntly. Blunt needle revision via the anterior chamber was performed 14 times in six eyes of six patients at Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University from January 2007 to May 2009. All procedures were performed within 1 month after trabeculectomy. RESULTS: The intraocular pressure remained 21 mmHg or lower for more than 6 months in three of six eyes. Slight bleeding from the iris occurred in one of the 14 procedures, and hypotony (intraocular pressure below 5 mmHg) occurred in one of the 14 procedures. No serious complications developed. CONCLUSION: Blunt needle revision via the anterior chamber for early failed filtering blebs is a new, simple, and safe procedure.

Effect of Needle Revision of Failed Filtering Blebs with Different Concentrations of Mitomycin C

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy and the risk factors for failure and complications of mitomycin C (MMC)-augmented needle revision (NR) of failed filtering blebs. METHODS: Thirty eyes whose intraocular pressure (IOP) did not decrease after the cutting of scleral flap sutures were recruited. NR was performed with a 26-gauge needle under a slit-lamp. Immediately following NR, all eyes received a subconjunctival injection of 0.1 ml of 0.02 mg/ml (group A) or 0.1 mg/ml (group B) MMC at the adjacent conjunctiva. The mean follow-up period after the last needle revision was 13.2+/-4.2 months. RESULTS: The mean IOP decreased from 25.7+/-10.6 mmHg before surgery to 13.7+/-2.5 mmHg at the last follow-up in group A and from 24.1+/-6.8 mmHg to 17.7+/-8.6 mmHg in group B (group A: p=0.001, group B: p=0.065). Subconjunctival hemorrhage, hyphema, and a shallow anterior chamber appeared in most cases. However, choridal detachment and avascular changes of the conjunctiva were observed in group B. CONCLUSIONS: IOP decreased in both groups A and B, but severe complications appeared only in group B. NR followed by a subconjunctival injection of 0.02 rather than 0.1 mg/ml is a safe and effective method.

Needle Revision with and without Mitomycin C for the Teatment of Failed Filtering Blebs after Trabeculectomy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of needle revision (NR) with and without mitomycin C (MMC) for failed filtering blebs after trabeculectomy, and to identify risk factors for failure. METHODS: Thirty-one eyes whose intraocular pressure (IOP) did not decrease after cutting of scleral flap sutures were recruited. NR was performed with a 26-gauge needle under a slit-lamp. Immediately following NR, 15 eyes received subconjunctival injection of 0.002 mg (0.02 mg/ml) MMC at the adjacent conjunctiva. RESULTS: First NR was done at 1.3+/-1.2 months (range, 0.2~6.5 months) after trabeculectomy, and a mean of 1.6+/-1.6 NRs per patient were done. The follow-up period was 24.4+/-20.4 months (range, 6.0~87.4 months) after the last NR. Pre-NR mean IOP was 27.9+/-11.6 mm Hg and post-NR final IOP was 18.8+/-13.0 mm Hg (p=0.005). The success rate, defined as IOP 25 mm Hg showed a higher failure rate, though with no statistical significance (p=0.141 and p=0.173, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: NR followed by subconjunctival injection of MMC is an effective and safe method for the treatment of the failed filtering blebs after trabeculectomy. Trabeculectomy without adjunctive MMC and pre-NR IOP higher than 25 mmHg were risk factors for failure of NR.

The Effects of Needle Revision of Failed Filtering Blebs with Preoperative Mitomycin-C Application

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to determine the efficacy and safety of needle revision of failed filtering blebs using preoperative mitomycin C (MMC) application. METHODS: We reviewed the records of 28 patients (31 eyes) who had undergone needle revision with MMC for the treatment of failed filtering bleb. MMC (0.02 mg/ml, 0.1 ml) was injected subconjunctivally one day before needle revision. RESULTS: Postopertive mean follow-up period was 42 weeks. Twenty five eyes (80.6%) were classified as surgical success which was defined as IOP less than 21 mmHg with or without any antiglaucomatous therapy. Intraocular pressure decreased from 25.5+/-6.0 mmHg before surgery to 18.6+/-5.2 mmHg at the last follow-up (p< 0.05). No serious complication was found. CONCLUSION: Our result suggested that needle revision with the preoperative subconjunctival injetion of mitomycin-C may be an effective and safe method to revive failed filtration blebs.