MRI after successful eyeWatch^TM implantation

Abstract

The eyeWatchTM is a new glaucoma drainage device that includes an adjustable mechanism that can vary the resistance to aqueous humor outflow during the postoperative period to reduce the burden of postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) management. The mechanism contains a magnetic rotor that can be adjusted using an external magnetic control unit. Adjustments of the position of the rotor are performed mostly in the initial postoperative follow-up period in order to reach the target IOP. However, for some patients, it might be necessary to perform MRI for the sake of medical investigations. As the MRI is creating a strong magnetic field, this magnetic field is likely to interact with the adjustable rotor of the eyeWatchTM, resulting in modification of the IOP. We report the case of an 82-old female patient successfully operated with the implantation of an eyeWatchTM. The patient underwent a cerebral MRI for persistent headache. Shortly after the MRI procedure, the patient was checked at the eye clinic to assess the position of the rotor and to measure the IOP. The eyeWatchTM was readjusted to the former position set before undergoing the MRI. No complications were reported in the follow-up after MRI. This case demonstrates that MRI examinations can be safely performed after glaucoma surgery using an eyeWatchTM without compromising on the quality of the imaging or the stability of the IOP. This is a complication-free procedure that only requires checking the new position of the rotor and re-adjusting the implant, if necessary, to achieve the target IOP.

The Molecular Mechanisms of Trabecular Meshwork Damage in POAG and Treatment Advances

“…POAG is a multi-tissue disease that targets, in ascending order, the TM, the optic nerve head, the lateral geniculate nuclei and the visual cortex [1]. As is known to us, TM dysfunction induces impaired aqueous humor (AH) drainage, elevated IOP and alterations of the optic nerve head and the visual field defects in POAG [2][3][4][5].…”

Eyewatch adjustable drainage device in vitrectomized eyes with refractory glaucoma

“…The eyeWatch encompasses a mechanism allowing for selective compression of its internal elastic tube, thus altering its fluidic resistance, which is performed noninvasively using the eyeWatch Pen single use during the surgery or the eyeWatch Pen (office) post-operatively. 20,21 In this small case series we assess the efficacy and safety of eyeWatch device in vitrectomized refractory glaucomatous eyes.…”

Klinische Ergebnisse des eyeWatch-Systems: 1-Jahres-Outcome

“…unserem Patienten wurde der EWP verwendet, um die Position wieder auf 0 zu setzen [10]. Somit kann eine cMRT nach Implantation des EWS-Systems durchgeführt werden, den Patienten sollte jedoch mitgeteilt werden, dass sie danach zu einer IOD-Kontrolle kommen müssen.…”