Explantation of glaucoma valve implants may be complicated by wound cl
osure problems. Prolonged implantation of these valves can lead to dev
elopment of corneo-scleral fistulas that may nor be adequately sealed
with the use of sutures alone. The authors report the use of processed
pericardium as tissue replacement material for the repair of such fis
tulas. A 45-year-old woman underwent explantation of a Baerveldt glauc
oma valve implant, resulting in the development of a corneo-scleral fi
stula. To repair the fistula, processed pericardium was inserted into
it and secured with 10-0 nylon sutures. Postoperatively, a good wound
seal was achieved with no leakage of aqueous humor from the anterior c
hamber, nor any inflammation. Processed pericardium appears to be an e
ffective tissue replacement material for sealing corneo-scleral fistul
as.