3.1
Ab externo canaloplasty is a surgical technique that aims to reduce intraocular pressure by improving drainage of aqueous fluid from the eye. It is done under local or general anaesthetic. A superficial hinged flap of sclera is made and a deeper flap excised, exposing the Schlemm's canal. An ultrasound imaging system is used to identify the canal and to visualise the surgical instruments when they are in the canal. A microcatheter with an illuminated tip is introduced into the canal and advanced around its entire circumference. As the catheter tip advances, viscoelastic fluid is injected into the canal to dilate it. When catheterisation of the entire canal is complete a suture is tied to the tip of the microcatheter and it is withdrawn, pulling the suture into the canal. The suture is cut, tied in a loop encircling the inner wall of the canal and tightened. This widens the canal. The superficial flap is sutured.