Canaloplasty: Circumferential viscodilation and tensioning of Schlemm canal using a flexible microcatheter for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma in adults

• Published in: Journal of cataract and refractive surgery Vol. 35; no. 5; pp. 814 - 824
• Main Authors: Lewis, Richard A., MD, von Wolff, Kurt, MD, Tetz, Manfred, MD, Koerber, Norbert, MD, Kearney, John R., MD, Shingleton, Bradford J., MD, Samuelson, Thomas W., MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 2009
• Subjects: Ophthalmology
• ISSN: 0886-3350; 1873-4502
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2009.01.010

Purpose To evaluate 2-year postsurgical safety and efficacy of canaloplasty (circumferential viscodilation and tensioning of the inner wall of Schlemm canal) to treat open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Setting Multicenter surgical sites. Methods This international prospective study comprised adult OAG patients having glaucoma surgery or combined glaucoma–cataract surgery. Qualifying preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was at least 16 mm Hg and historical IOP, at least 21 mm Hg. The full circumference of the canal was viscodilated and a trabecular tensioning suture placed with a microcatheter. Primary outcome measures included IOP and glaucoma medication use. Results At 24 months, all 127 eyes (127 patients) had a mean IOP of 16.0 mm Hg ± 4.2 (SD) and mean glaucoma medication use of 0.5 ± 0.8 (baseline values 23.6 ± 4.8 mm Hg and 1.9 ± 0.8 medications). Eyes with canaloplasty alone had a mean IOP of 16.3 ± 3.7 mm Hg and 0.6 ± 0.8 medications (baseline values 23.2 ± 4.0 mm Hg and 2.0 ± 0.8 medications). Eyes with combined glaucoma–cataract surgery had a mean IOP of 13.4 ± 4.0 mm Hg and 0.2 ± 0.4 medications (baseline values 23.1 ± 5.5 mm Hg and 1.7 ± 1.0 medications). The IOP and medication use results at all time points were statistically significant versus baseline ( P <.001). The late postoperative follow-up identified 3 patients with elevated IOP. No other serious ocular or nonocular complications were reported. Conclusion Canaloplasty was safe and effective in reducing IOP in adult patients with OAG.