Use of a 24 gauge intravenous cannula for minimally invasive trabeculectomy

We describe an innovative technique for performing standardized low cost glaucoma filtration surgery using a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) intravenous cannula. The trocar of a 24 gauge (24G) PTFE intravenous cannula was used to create a trabeculectomy ostium and its tube was inserted under a partial thickness scleral flap in 2 patients with advanced glaucomatous optic neuropathy, in whom intraocular pressure (IOP) was not controlled on maximal tolerable hypotensive therapy. Postoperatively, IOP of the operated eyes at 3, 6 and 9 month's follow-up ranged from 12 to 15 mmHg with a well formed anterior chamber and a diffuse bleb.