Canaloplasty Surgical procedure,

Canaloplasty is an ophthalmic surgical procedure that has been developed as an alternative to trabeculectomy. In some cases, viscocanalostomy has been used in conjunction with cataract removal via phacoemulsification.
Canaloplasty is a non-penetrating surgical technique for glaucoma which aims to restore the natural drainage of fluid from the eye.
Canaloplasty may be performed under local or general anaesthetic. A superficial hinged flap of sclera is made and a deeper flap excised, exposing Schlemm's canal. A microcatheter with an illuminated tip is introduced into the canal and advanced around its entire circumference. As the catheter tip advances, viscoelastic fluid is injected into the canal to dilate it. After catheterisation of the entire canal length is complete, a suture is tied to the tip of the microcatheter, which is withdrawn, pulling the suture into the canal. The suture is cut from the microcatheter and tied in a loop encircling the inner wall of the canal. The suture is tightened, so distending the trabecular meshwork with the aim of widening the canal.The superficial flap is sutured. A special ultrasound imaging system is used to help identify the canal and to visualise the instruments in the canal before, during and after the surgery.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Eye
• ophthalmology
• surgery
• operation
• ocular
• canaloplasty
• Glaucoma
• viscocanalostomy
• microcatheter