Drainage device offers promising results for glaucoma

A new glaucoma drainage device using an ab interno approach is delivering promising early results in terms of increasing outflow and decreasing IOP, according to a study presented at the World Ophthalmology Congress.

'Although we do need further studies with longer follow-up, my first impression of the CyPass device (Transcend Medical) is that it works very well at enhancing the aqueous outflow through the supraciliary space and avoids many of the complications associated with an ab externo approach,' said Marco Nardi MD.

Dr Nardi described the CyPass as a micro-implantable device about 6.5 mm in length and a small lumen of 300 microns that is designed to improve uveoscleral outflow by providing access and drainage of the aqueous from the anterior chamber to the suprachoroidal space. The implant is inserted with a special inserter that enables it to be easily placed into the suprachoroidal space, he said.