AHMED CLEARPATH DEVICE

Guest author

SUMERA SAGHEER

Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College

Aligarh- India

INTRODUCTION:

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) devices such as the ExPress Mini Shunt and Glaukos iStent provide ease of use for the surgeon. However, they allow only modest reductions in intra-ocular pressure (IOP). Therefore, MIGS devices are typically reserved for mild-to-moderate glaucoma cases.

New World Medical, USA, a company famous for its iconic Ahmed Glaucoma Valve has developed the Ahmed ClearPath device which offers patients another treatment option and surgeons more convenient and efficient tube surgery. This device targets patients with severe or moderate glaucoma.

The ClearPath is the culmination of the efforts of a group of glaucoma surgeons to develop a non-valved glaucoma drainage device to shunt aqueous out of the eye.

FEATURES:

The device is available in two sizes, viz, 350 mm² and 250 mm².

The ClearPath consists of a flexible plate with contour closely conforming to the curvature of the eye.

The suture fixation points for the device are conveniently positioned much anteriorly compared to other devices, enabling ease of fixation.

CLEARANCE FROM FDA:

The device received clearance from FDA earlier this year and the company had a limited launch of the technology.

The limited launch to a small group of surgeons was to receive input and feedback from the surgeons and clinicians on their unmet needs; to assess the device’s safety and efficacy and to know if it makes the surgical procedure much more efficient.

New World Medical has CE mark for the device, but is evaluating commercialization strategies outside the USA.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE:

https://www.newworldmedical.com/Clients/NewWorldMedical/Content/NWMCorp/media/pdf/ClearPath_Surgical_Steps.pdf

Once a conjunctival peritomy and sub-tenon’s pocket are created, the ClearPath is secured to the sclera using the surgeon’s preferred suture material. If the Model 350 is selected, the extraocular muscles will need to be isolated. The body of the plate is placed 8 to 10 mm from the limbus in the superior quadrants, resulting in the anterior edge of the suture arms being placed 6 to 8 mm from the limbus. An anterior bevel is cut on the distal end of the silicone tube, and the tube is then inserted into the anterior chamber using forceps to feed the tube through a scleral tunnel created by a 23-gauge needle. If the tube is inserted into the sulcus, a posterior facing bevel may be used to prevent occlusion by the posterior iris. 

NEW WORLD MEDICAL:

https://www.newworldmedical.com/ClearPath

New World Medical was founded in the early 90s by Dr Abdul Mateen Ahmed and has a humanitarian segment.

The mission is to benefit humanity and stems not only from providing innovative high quality products but also supporting surgeons in medical missions, particularly medical missions outside of US, where the glaucoma treatment or procedures are limited.

The organization helps a lot of non-profit organizations to go out to some of these undeveloped markets.