Surgical Augmentation of the Suprachoroidal Space: A Novel Material and Implant

Abstract

Microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) has emerged as a safer method to lower IOP with minimal impact on patient quality of life compared to traditional glaucoma surgeries. With the advent of MIGS, there has been a renewed interest in exploring the suprachoroidal route. MIGS targeting the suprachoroidal space allow for a safe reduction in IOP while sparing conjunctiva and allowing “blebless” surgery, thus avoiding bleb-related complications. This article aims to review the rationale behind the suprachoroidal MIGS procedures and the literature surrounding the efficacy and safety of a novel suprachoroidal device, the MINIject. The available literature has shown promising IOP lowering results with the MINIject implant with a potentially safer and less invasive approach than traditional glaucoma surgeries.

Keywords:

• suprachoroidal space
• microinvasive glaucoma surgery
• glaucoma

Acknowledgement

The authors acknowledge Mr Chrysostomos Dimitriou (Colchester Eye Centre, Essex, UK) for supplying the case image for Figure 7, and thank Katherin Awad BSc MBA for editorial support.

Disclosure

Dr Ticiana De Francesco is a consultant for Abbvie; Glaukos; Carl Zeiss, Elios Vision, Glaukos, Iantrek, NovaEye, Myra Vision. Dr Iqbal Ike K Ahmed is a consultant for iSTAR Medical, grants and/or personal fees from Aequus, Ace Vision, Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Akorn, Alcon, Allergan, Aquea Health, Inc, ArcScan, Avellino Lab USA, Inc, Avisi, Bausch Health, Beaver Visitec, Beyeonics, Bionode, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Centricity Vision, Inc, CorNeat Vision, Custom Surgical, Elios Vision, ElutiMed, Equinox, eyeFlow, Inc, EyeMed, EyeQ Technologies, Exhaura Limited, Genentech, Glaukos, Gore, Heine, Heru, Iantrek, InjectSense, Iridex, iCare, iStar, grants, Ivantis, Johnson & Johnson Vision, Labtician Thea, LayerBio, Leica Microsystems, Life Long Vision, Long Bridge Medical, Inc, MicroOptx, MST Surgical, Myra Vision, New World Medical, NovaEye, Ocular Instruments, Ocular Therapeutix, Oculo, Oculus Surgical, Omega Ophthalmics, PolyActiva, PulseMedica, Radiance Therapeutics, Inc, Radius XR, Rheon Medical SA, Ripple Therapeutics, Sanoculis, Santen, Shifamed, LLC, Sight Sciences, Smartlens, Inc, Stroma, Thea Pharma, TFS Health Science, ViaLase, Visus Therapeutics, Vizzario, VSY Biotechnology, and Zilia, Inc, outside the submitted work.

Additional information

Funding

There were no fees or grants received for this study.