Transitioning to the EX-PRESS® Glaucoma Filtration Device
If you don’t already perform EX-PRESS® Glaucoma Filtration
Device implantations, what’s holding you back?
Actually, the EX-PRESS® Glaucoma Filtration Device has been implanted more than 125,000 times, and it has been studied extensively. Data shows that EX-PRESS ® Glaucoma Filtration Device patients experienced significantly lower IOP rates compared with trabeculectomy patients for up to three years and similar rates at five years.1 They also experienced a reduced need for IOP-lowering medications at all postoperative visits within a five-year study period,1 a more rapid recovery2 and less early postoperative hypotony and choroidal effusions.2
I’m not sure about how reimbursement works.Use of the EX-PRESS® Glaucoma Filtration Device is covered by Medicare, as well as most commercial payers.
I have concerns over biocompatibility and scarring.I’m worried that the device will interfere with MRIs.
Actually, the EX-PRESS® Glaucoma Filtration Device labeling states MRI of the head is permitted, though not recommended, in the first two weeks post implantation.4
I don’t have any experience with the procedure.Good news! While the EX-PRESS® Glaucoma Filtration Device is revolutionizing glaucoma surgery, it doesn’t require as much of a change for surgeons who are experienced with performing the trabeculectomy as you might expect. In fact, there are a number of similarities between the two procedures.
1. de Jong L, Lafuma A, Aguadé AS, Berdeaux G. Five-year extension of a clinical trial comparing the EX-PRESS glaucoma filtration device and trabeculectomy in primary open-angle glaucoma. Clin Ophthalmol. 2011;5:527-533.
2. Maris P, et al. Comparison of trabeculectomy with EX-PRESS miniature glaucoma device implanted under scleral flap. J Glaucoma. Jan 2007;16(1):14-19.
*Not all of the studies above involved the currently marketed P50 or P200 models. However, those models have similar performance to earlier models, which were included in some of these studies. See Directions for Use.
1. de Jong L, Lafuma A, Aguadé AS, Berdeaux G. Five-year extension of a clinical trial comparing the EX-PRESS glaucoma filtration device and trabeculectomy in primary open-angle glaucoma. Clin Ophthalmol. 2011;5:527-533.
3. Nyska A, et al. Biocompatibility of the EX-PRESS miniature glaucoma drainage implant. J Glaucoma. 2003;12(3):275-280.
*Not all of the studies above involved the currently marketed P50 or P200 models. However, those models have similar performance to earlier models, which were included in some of these studies. See Directions for Use.
4. EX-PRESS® Glaucoma Filtration Device Directions for Use.
*Not all of the studies above involved the currently marketed P50 or P200 models. However, those models have similar performance to earlier models, which were included in some of these studies. See Directions for Use.
A Big Step in Glaucoma Filtration Surgery, a Small Step for Surgeons
While the EX-PRESS® Glaucoma Filtration Device is changing glaucoma surgery, it doesn’t require as much of a change as you might expect for surgeons experienced with performing trabeculectomies. In fact, there are a number of similarities between the two procedures.
Incorporating the EX-PRESS® Glaucoma Filtration Device into Your Practice
The trabeculectomy has been around for nearly half a century, so it’s understandable to have reservations about adopting a new procedure. Surgeons who have embraced the EX-PRESS® Glaucoma Filtration Device say it’s best to ease it into your practice.
Start by communicating with your patients about their glaucoma treatment options, and identify a few ideal candidates for the EX-PRESS® Glaucoma Filtration Device. After implanting the devices, compare those patients’ post-op progress with patients who underwent a trabeculectomy. As you get more comfortable with the implantation process and the results, you may find yourself turning more often to the EX-PRESS® Glaucoma Filtration Device and the advantages of Lumenal Control.
Simple Implantation Procedure See more
Preloaded Delivery System See more
Enjoy the Benefits of Lumenal Control
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