Efficacy and Safety of a Releasable Intraluminal Suture Technique to Reduce Hypotony Following Glaucoma Surgery Using the Preserflo Device

Glaucoma is a common and irreversible disease of the optic nerve. It is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. Glaucoma can be treated with medication, laser therapy, or surgery; the latter is often necessary. Traditional surgeries are invasive and carry a high rate of complications (hypotony, endophthalmitis, cataracts, etc.). Consequently, several types of micro-invasive surgeries (MIGS) and less invasive but effective surgeries, LIGS, have been developed to reduce surgical risks while maintaining effectiveness in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). PRESERFLO is a drainage system less than 1 mm thick that regulates the outflow of aqueous humor from the eye. It is made of a soft, flexible biomaterial that conforms to the curvature of the eye. This biomaterial does not trigger a negative immune response. PRESERFLO is an example of a recently developed, powerful LIGS procedure (with preliminary results demonstrating efficacy and safety). PRESERFLO is already in use in France (marketing authorization and CE marking obtained) and is covered by social security.

This technique is highly effective in lowering IOP, but it may be associated with hypotony, although less frequently than with trabeculectomy. The use of a releasable suture placed inside the Preserflo to limit drainage and, consequently, reduce the risk of hypotony has been described with good results in preliminary studies. Nevertheless, it is necessary to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this technical modification in a randomized, prospective clinical trial to better understand whether this modification is beneficial for improving the treatment of patients with glaucoma.