Prolene Canalostenting in Deep Sclerectomy: A Pilot Study

Purpose: To study the effect of implantation of a 5/0 prolene suture segment inside Schlemm's canal as an adjunct to deep sclerectomy. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, interventional case series of nine eyes of six patients with open angle glaucoma. Patients underwent deep sclerectomy with insertion of a segment of 5/0 prolene into Schlemm's canal at the filtration site without suturing. The main outcome measures were: Intraocular pressure (IOP), postoperative interventions, and complications. Ultrasound biomicroscopy of the filtration area as well as the prolene suture was performed at 6 months postoperatively. Results: Patients were followed for a mean of 8.1 +/- 4.5 months. Mean IOP decreased statistically significant from 19 +/- 4.2 mmHg preoperatively to 12 mmHg at 15 months postoperatively (P < 0.0001). The number of glaucoma medications was reduced from 3.7 +/- 0.7 preoperatively to 0 postoperatively. No postoperative complications were noted. IOP remained in the low teens in all patients out to the last postoperative visit. Yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser goniopuncture was not required in any case. Conclusion: Implantation of a 5/0 prolene suture in Schlemm's canal during deep sclerectomy was a safe, cost-effective adjunct to maintain the patency of the intrascleral space and Schlemm's canal thus controlling IOP for 6 months postoperatively.