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Effects of Er:YAG laser trabecular ablation on outflow facility in cadaver porcine eyes

  • Glaucoma
  • Published:
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Abstract

• Background: Mid-infrared laser technology opens new perspectives in experimental glaucoma surgery. The aim of this study was to establish the effectiveness of Er:YAG laser photoablation of the trabecular meshwork in increasing outflow facility in cadaver porcine eyes. • Methods: Eye cups of 20 freshly enucleated cadaver porcine eyes were fixed in an anterior segment perfusion system, measuring outflow facility under constant pressure conditions (7–13 mmHg) over a period of 45 min. Trabecular ablation was performed using a pulsed Er:YAG (2.94 μm) laser. Radiation was delivered in a single 4-mJ pulse of 200 μs duration by means of an articulated zirconium fluoride optical fibre and a 320-μm quartz-fibre tip. • Results: Er:YAG laser treatment yielded reproducible ablation areas confined to the trabecular meshwork, with a diameter corresponding to that of the fibre tip. Collateral thermal damage extended up to a depth of 30 μm. Outflow facility measurements revealed an increase (mean ± SD) from 0.128±0.041 pl min−1 mmHg−1 in control eyes (n=11) to 0.308±0.093 μl min−1 mmHg−1 in treated ones (n=9). • Conclusion: Application of the photoablative Er:YAG laser technique in non-fistulating trabecular surgery produces patent trabecular perforation with minimal collateral tissue damage and effects a significant reduction (79%) in outflow resistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University Eye Hospital of Cologne, Joseph- Stelzmannstrasse 9, D-50931, Cologne, Germany

    Philipp C. Jacobi, Thomas S. Dietlein & Günter K. Krieglstein

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  1. Philipp C. Jacobi
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  2. Thomas S. Dietlein
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  3. Günter K. Krieglstein
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Jacobi, P.C., Dietlein, T.S. & Krieglstein, G.K. Effects of Er:YAG laser trabecular ablation on outflow facility in cadaver porcine eyes. Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 234 (Suppl 1), S204–S208 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02343073

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02343073

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