The CyPass suprachoroidal micro-stent

Abstract

The CyPass Micro-Stent (Transcend Medical, Menlo Park, CA) is a fenestrated device that is implanted in the supraciliary space to provide a permanent conduit for uveoscleral outflow of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber in patients with glaucoma. Implantation is achieved with a blebless, minimally invasive clear cornea incision that spares the conjunctiva and the sclera and which can be performed with or without the use of surgical intraoperative gonioscopy. By exploiting the negative pressure gradient between the suprachoroidal space and the anterior chamber, the successfully positioned micro-stent facilitates aqueous outflow and thereby lowers IOP and reduces the patient's need for IOP-lowering medications. Clinical experience to date indicates a good safety profile and prolonged efficacy for the micro-stent when used either as a stand-alone treatment for open-angle glaucoma or in combination with phacoemulsification surgery in glaucomatous patients undergoing cataract removal.