PERICARDIAL PATCH GRAFTS IN GLAUCOMA IMPLANT-SURGERY

Purpose: The authors determine the safety and effectiveness of pericar dial patch grafts in glaucoma implant surgery. Methods: A retrospectiv e chart review was conducted on all patients who underwent a glaucoma implant procedure with the use of a pericardial patch graft to cover t he subconjunctival portion of the tube at The New York Eye and Ear Inf irmary between September 1, 1995 and June 30, 1996. Charts were assess ed for evidence of delle formation, graft rejection, graft-related inf ection, graft thinning, or tube erosion. Results: Forty-four eyes of 4 4 patients were enrolled. Mean follow-up was 10.2 +/- 4.0 months (rang e, 2.3 to 18.6 months). Infection, tube erosion, graft rejection, and graft-related inflammation did not occur. Five eyes were noted to have asymptomatic thinning of the patch without evidence of tube erosion. Conclusions: Preserved human cadaveric pericardial patch grafts appear to be well-tolerated for use with glaucoma drainage devices. As with other grafting material, potential for graft thinning is possible and further long-term experience is needed.