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O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4
At present, only one mini-stent has received the FDA's approval,
though a second is awaiting clearance and others are conducting
investigational trials. The approved product, which redirects fluid to
Schlemm's canal, is "tricky to get into the meshwork," says Dr.
Newsom, "and sometimes you need to use 2" for the best results.
That's where you run into case-costing issues, says Dr. Olander,
since the available mini-stents cost $1,000 each. "Two or 3 implanted
would prove even more effective, but you're limited to 1, by the FDA's
approval and Medicare's reimbursement. You could put in a second if
the patient paid out of pocket, but I've never had anyone take me up
on that offer."
The mini-stent that's close to approval, which drains to the supra-
choroidal space, is "easy to put in, and just 1 has a great effect on
O P H T H A L M O L O G Y
LASER SHOW Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)
is an effective initial and repeat glaucoma treatment.
Newsom
Eye
&
Laser
Center
