Validation of a new technique using 4-0 nylon thread as a guide for tube insertion of the Ahmed glaucoma valve into the ciliary sulcus.

Abstract

In this study, we validated the new technique for inserting the tube of the Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) into the ciliary sulcus. AGV tube insertion was performed by introducing a 4-0 nylon thread into the anterior chamber from the corneal incision on the opposite side of the AGV. The thread was placed in the lumen of a 23-G needle that was inserted into the sclera and ciliary sulcus from the AGV side. Withdrawing the 23-G needle, the thread was led out of the eye from the scleral wound, passing through the ciliary sulcus. The thread was then placed in the AGV tube lumen, and the tube was inserted through the scleral wound into the ciliary sulcus by using the thread as a guide, as per the Seldinger technique. In all seven eyes, the tube was precisely inserted into the ciliary sulcus without serious intraoperative complications such as vitreous straying of the tube.