Ab interno removal of malpositioned ex-press glaucoma device combined with bleb needling.

Purpose: We present an ab interno removal technique combined with a needling procedure for a malpositioned Ex-PRESS glaucoma shunt.

Study design: Retrospective case series.

Methods: This study examined four cases of malpositioned Ex-PRESS shunts. Needle bleb revision was performed to expand the space under the scleral flap and bleb area. Clinical data, including corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), intraocular pressure (IOP), and anterior segment optical coherence tomography images (AS-OCT), were retrieved from clinical records.

Results: All four cases underwent ab interno shunt removal combined with needle bleb revision without any serious complications. In three cases of anterior shunt malposition, a reduction in ECD was apparent before surgery but remained relatively stable after surgery. In one patient with posterior shunt malposition, shunt occlusion was suspected before surgery, but bleb formation and IOP improved after surgery. IOP was 8 mmHg to 21 mmHg (median, 10.5 mmHg) before surgery and 5 mmHg to 17 mmHg (median, 10 mmHg) 12 months after surgery. No additional glaucoma surgery was required within the first 12 months; however, after 12 months, two patients required additional glaucoma surgery.

Conclusion: Ab interno Ex-PRESS device removal combined with bleb needling is an important procedure in patients with malpositioned Ex-PRESS devices.