The Confidence of Lumenal Control
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.
Dynamic, Six-Point Engineering
Regulated IOP Means More Control
One of the key differences between EX-PRESS® Glaucoma Filtration Device implantation and the trabeculectomy is that the EX-PRESS® Glaucoma Filtration Device procedure offers less variability in anterior chamber depth.
During a trabeculectomy, the anterior chamber can flatten or collapse before closure of the scleral flap. However, the anterior chamber usually remains well-formed throughout the EX-PRESS® Glaucoma Filtration Device implantation procedure, decreasing potential for complications. The device’s lumen provides a standardized opening for aqueous humor flow while also providing some resistance, which appears to add further stability to the anterior chamber during surgery and the early post-op period.
Enjoy the Benefits of Lumenal Control
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