Heterologous, Fresh, Human Donor Sclera as Patch Graft Material in Glaucoma Drainage Device Surgery.

PURPOSE: To determine the safety and efficacy of fresh, human sclera allografts as a patch graft material in glaucoma drainage device (GDD) surgery.

DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional, consecutive case series.

SUBJECTS: All GDD cases operated between 2008 and 2013 in which fresh human corneoscleral rims were used immediately after the central corneal button was used for penetrating or endothelial keratoplasty.

METHODS: Surgery was performed by 2 surgeons at 2 facilities. The Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (FP-7) was used exclusively in this cohort. Sixty-four eyes of 60 patients were identified; demographic data were recorded along with intraocular pressure (IOP), medication requirements, visual acuity, complications, and subsequent interventions.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of complications. IOP and medication requirements at the last follow-up. Quilified success utilizing Tube Versus Trabeculectomy study criteria.

RESULTS: The mean age of the cohort was 66.2±19.1 years; the average preoperative IOP was 33.2±11.1 mm Hg on 4.2±1.3 IOP-lowering agents before GDD surgery. IOP decreased significantly to 14.1±4.7 mm Hg (P<0.001) on 1.6±1.2 IOP-lowering agents (P<0.001) after an average follow-up of 18.2±15.4 months. There were no cases of early or late blebitis or endophthalmitis, and there was 1 case of conjunctival erosion and tube/plate exposure (1.6%) occurring 30 days after surgery. Qualified success was estimated as 90.5% and 81% at 1 and 2 years, respectively, using Tube Versus Trabeculectomy study criteria.

CONCLUSIONS: Heterologous, fresh, human donor sclera appears to be a safe material for GDD tube coverage. It provides a cost-efficient alternative compared with traditional patch graft materials associated with a low risk of pathogen transmission.