What is Canaloplasty?
Canaloplasty is an advanced interventional ophthalmology procedure that utilizes breakthrough microcatheter technology to treat open angle glaucoma.
It is used to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) within the eye by widening the eye’s natural drainage channels. Canaloplasty is an option for many of the 3 million American glaucoma patients with elevated IOP who are not achieving lower IOP from medications, who do not want to remain dependent on costly glaucoma drugs and want a less invasive surgical procedure.
How is Canaloplasty performed?
Canaloplasty is performed entirely through a small two-stage micro-incision outside of the visual axis of the eye in an advanced, yet straightforward interventional ophthalmic procedure:
- The micro-incision is made outside the visual axis.
- An interventional microcatheter is inserted through the micro-incision and into the blocked natural drainage channel of the eye called Schlemm’s canal
- The microcatheter tip is illuminated so the doctor can easily follow its progress through the canal
- A unique ultrasound system is used to observe the eyes drainage system and verify the procedure
- A suture is then placed and tightened within the canal to keep the dilated canal open, ensuring proper drainage
What are the benefits of canaloplasty for people with glaucoma?
• Lowers intraocular pressure by an average of 38%, according to a recent study
• Potentially reduces or eliminates the need for medications and their associated costs
• Less invasive than traditional surgery with fewer postoperative complications
• Offers the possibility that no further medications or surgery will be needed
Why is Canaloplasty called the first interventional ophthalmology procedure?
• Canaloplasty is the first procedure performed using a new generation of technology known as interventional microcatheters designed specifically for use in the eye.Because the structures of the eye are so small, catheters like those used to treat coronary or peripheral artery disease were too large for use in the eye.
• According to Richard A. Lewis, MD, president of the American Glaucoma Society, “Eye surgeons since the late 1950s have wanted to revitalize aqueous flow through Schlemm’s Canal but had no way of accessing such as small space. The iTrack™ 250A Canaloplasty Microcatheter represents the first technology surgeons have had to access Schlemm’s Canal and other previously unreachable spaces in the eye.”