C M Birt1, A R Berger. 1. Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The authors describe a technique for hemorrhage drainage following glaucoma surgery that uses an anterior chamber maintainer to minimize risk to the anterior lens capsule. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two patients had suprachoroidal hemorrhages following filtration surgery. Because their eyes were phakic, an anterior chamber maintainer, as opposed to a 23-gauge butterfly needle, was used for aqueous replacement during hemorrhage drainage. RESULTS: The maintainer provided a stable anterior chamber environment during both drainage procedures. No damage to anterior chamber structures occurred, and the postoperative course was unremarkable in both patients. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a sharp-tipped infusion cannula may be contraindicated for the phakic patient who has a suprachoroidal hemorrhage. The anterior chamber maintainer is a useful alternative instrument in such cases.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The authors describe a technique for hemorrhage drainage following glaucoma surgery that uses an anterior chamber maintainer to minimize risk to the anterior lens capsule. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two patients had suprachoroidal hemorrhages following filtration surgery. Because their eyes were phakic, an anterior chamber maintainer, as opposed to a 23-gauge butterfly needle, was used for aqueous replacement during hemorrhage drainage. RESULTS: The maintainer provided a stable anterior chamber environment during both drainage procedures. No damage to anterior chamber structures occurred, and the postoperative course was unremarkable in both patients. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a sharp-tipped infusion cannula may be contraindicated for the phakic patient who has a suprachoroidal hemorrhage. The anterior chamber maintainer is a useful alternative instrument in such cases.