Effectiveness of pericaridium as patch graft material in glaucoma drainage device surgery

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of pericardium as patch graft material in glaucoma drainage device (GDD) surgery. Methods: Pericardium (Tutoplast Processed Pericardium, Biodynamics International, U S., Inc., Tampa, FL) was used to cover the subconjunctival portion of tube during ODD surgery. Patients were evaluated for clinical signs of conjunctival breakdown, graft melt, tube erosion, graft-related inflammation, infection, and any other pericardial graft related complications. Results: Nine females and five males with refractory glaucoma, age 2-90 (mean + SD = 59.5 + 29.8) underwent GDD surgery with pericardial patch graft. After a mean follow-up of 8 + 1.8 months, no complications related to pericardial patch graft were found. One eye developed endogenous endophthalmitis four months after GDD surgery, unrelated to the pericardial graft. Conclusion: In the short term (8 month follow-up) processed pericardium appears to be a safe and efficacious patch graft material in glaucoma drainage device surgery. j.

Duke Scholars

Author Paul Pue-Jung Lee Ophthalmology, Glaucoma