Aqueous-Vortex Derivation: A Preliminary Study on Rabbits.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of the study was to determine the feasibility of establishing a derivation between the anterior chamber (AC) and a vortex vein to lower the intraocular pressure (IOP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A derivation between the AC and a vortex vein was performed in 1 eye of 16 albino rabbits, whereas the other eye was kept as the control. Derivations were performed using a Teflon tube with an external diameter of 0.90 mm and an inner diameter of 0.50 mm. IOP measurements, using a Goldmann tonometer, were conducted 2 or 3 times a week for periods of 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days.

RESULTS: A significant difference in the IOP between operated and nonoperated eyes was obtained. Reductions in the IOP varying from 40% to 50% were found in this study. The patency of all tubes was confirmed, no tube was slipped out of the venous lumen, and none of the tubes penetrated deeper into the AC. The tubes did not move backward and out of the AC. No keratic precipitates, synechiae, or lens changes were observed. Iris prolapse, wound leakage, infection, and hyphema were not encountered. Microscopically, no venous thrombosis was encountered in these series.

CONCLUSIONS: The results, corroborated by the anatomopathology, proved the viability of the aqueous-vortex derivation for the treatment of the ocular hypertension and some types of glaucoma with damage of the trabecular meshwork.