Subconjunctival THC:YAG (holmium) laser thermal sclerostomy ab externo

Andrew G. Iwach M.D.; H. Dunbar Hoskins Jr.; Michael V. Drake M.D.

doi:10.1117/12.137436

14 August 1992 Subconjunctival THC:YAG (holmium) laser thermal sclerostomy ab externo

Andrew G. Iwach M.D., H. Dunbar Hoskins Jr., Michael V. Drake M.D.

Proceedings Volume 1644, Ophthalmic Technologies II; (1992) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.137436
Event: OE/LASE '92, 1992, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

A THC:YAG laser (thulium, holmium, chromium-doped YAG crystal) was used to create thermal sclerostomies in 35 glaucomatous eyes of 33 patients. The laser is a long-pulsed (300 microsecond(s) ec), compact, self-contained, solid state laser operating in the near infrared (2.1 (mu) ). A 1 mm conjunctival stab incision was made 12 mm away from the sclerostomy site to allow entry of a specially designed 22-gauge (712 (mu) ) optic probe that delivers energy at a right angle to the long axis of the fiber. Probe insertion produced minimal disturbance of the conjunctiva. Pulse energies of 80 mJ to 120 mJ were used with a repetition rate of 5 pulses/sec. Total energy levels to produce full-thickness sclerostomies ranged from 1.4 to 7.2 J. Subconjunctival 5-fluorouracil injections were administered in 32 eyes. Success rate was 66% at 6 months and 63% at 12 months. Mean intraocular pressure of successful cases was 14 mmHg at 6 months and 13 mmHg at 12 months. Ten cases failed within the initial six months, and one additional case failed by 12 months. Success and failure were analyzed relative to patient risk factors and clinical experience with the procedure.

Citation Download Citation

Andrew G. Iwach M.D., H. Dunbar Hoskins Jr., and Michael V. Drake M.D. "Subconjunctival THC:YAG (holmium) laser thermal sclerostomy ab externo", Proc. SPIE 1644, Ophthalmic Technologies II, (14 August 1992); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.137436

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