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BMC Ophthalmology

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Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research article

Partial thickness corneal tissue as a patch graft material for prevention of glaucoma drainage device exposure

Authors: Oriel Spierer, Michael Waisbourd, Yitzhak Golan, Hadas Newman, Rony Rachmiel

Published in: BMC Ophthalmology | Issue 1/2016

Abstract

Background

To protect from erosion of the tube in glaucoma drainage device (GDD), the tube is covered by a biologic tissue which is roofed by the conjunctiva. Sclera, pericardium, dura mater and cornea are available as a patch graft. Drawbacks of some of these materials may include high cost and poor appearance. The purpose of this study is to report the long-term outcomes of partial thickness corneal grafts to cover the tube and prevent its exposure, in GDD surgeries.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of all patients who underwent Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation and had a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The tube was covered by a 300-micron partial thickness corneal graft taken either from a previous Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty procedure or cut from a whole corneal graft button unsuitable for keratoplasty.

Results

Forty-four patients (45 eyes, mean follow-up of 27.6 ± 11.4 months) were enrolled. The partial thickness corneal grafts maintained clarity throughout follow-up with satisfactory cosmetic results. Mild conjunctival retraction occurred in 4 eyes (8.9 %) between 1 and 12 months after the surgery. Corneal graft melting occurred in 3 (6.7 %) eyes. Tube exposure and additional surgery to re-patch or suture the conjunctiva over the tube was needed in 1 (2.2 %) eye. None of the patients had graft infection or immunologic rejection.

Conclusions

Partial thickness corneal grafts have favorable long-term outcome as a patch for GDD tubes with low rates of tube exposure and other complications.

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Title: Partial thickness corneal tissue as a patch graft material for prevention of glaucoma drainage device exposure
Authors: Oriel Spierer
Michael Waisbourd
Yitzhak Golan
Hadas Newman
Rony Rachmiel
Publication date: 01-12-2016
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Ophthalmology / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2415
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12886-016-0196-2

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Partial thickness corneal tissue as a patch graft material for prevention of glaucoma drainage device exposure

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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