In this episode of The Interventional Glaucoma Podcast, Dr. Cathy McCabe hosts a discussion with Dr. Mark Gallardo and Mr Dan Lindfield about intra-operative pearls for the ELIOS™ procedure. They delve into the nuances of patient positioning, visualization techniques, and probe handling, offering practical insights and tips for surgeons considering adopting this innovative technology.
The Interventional Glaucoma Podcast
Episode 6: ELIOS Explained: Intra-op Pearls
Key Takeaways
- The ELIOS Treatment: ELIOS is a precise and minimally invasive treatment option for glaucoma. The device uses excimer laser technology via a small probe to create microchannels in the trabecular meshwork, providing effective intraocular pressure reduction with minimal tissue damage.
- Visualization Is Key: Adequate lighting, magnification, and positioning of the patient’s head and microscope are essential for clear visualization of the angle.
- Proper Probe Placement: Surgeons aim to position the probe to target the trabecular meshwork (TM) from above, to ensure accurate placement of the microchannels.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Surgeons can adjust their technique based on individual patient anatomy and preferences. Dan Lindfield discusses his approach of spreading the microchannels across different angles for enhanced treatment efficacy.
- Management of Intra-operative Challenges: Surgeons may encounter blood reflux during the procedure, which is indicative of a successful treatment. Proper management, including maintaining a clear view and re-pressurizing the anterior chamber, helps mitigate potential complications.
- Encouragement for Adoption: Surgeons encourage colleagues familiar with the MIGS space to consider incorporating ELIOS into their practice. They highlight the straightforward nature of the procedure and its potential benefits for glaucoma patients.
Guests
Dr. Cathleen McCabe
Dr. Cathleen McCabe serves as the Chief Medical Officer at Eye Health America and is a cataract and refractive specialist who regularly performs MIGS procedures. She is one of the foremost eye surgeons today, performs thousands of cataracts a year, and is an early adopter of new ophthalmic technologies that improve patient QOL. Dr. McCabe was recently honored for being on the Global Top 100 Power List for 2021 and 2022.
Dr. Mark Gallardo
Dr. Mark Gallardo is a cataract and glaucoma surgeon based in El Paso, Texas. He is a recognized expert in micro-invasive glaucoma surgery and is routinely invited to lecture at multiple major national and international ophthalmic conferences to share his knowledge. He is widely published in the peer-reviewed medical literature and is the principal investigator for multiple ongoing clinical trials in the fields of cataract and glaucoma surgery.
Mr Dan Lindfield
Mr Dan Lindfield is a consultant ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon in Guildford and Farnham who specialises in cataracts and glaucoma surgery, including laser therapies for glaucoma, such as SLT, trabeculectomy, and minimally-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). He has an extensive portfolio of research and academic work which is published in leading peer-reviewed journals.
Additional Resources
Follow Dr. Cathleen McCabe on social:
Dr Cathleen McCabe | LinkedIn
Follow Dr. Mark Gallardo on social:
Dr Mark Gallardo | LinkedIn
Follow Mr Dan Lindfield on social:
Mr Dan Lindfield | LinkedIn
Episode 8: TM-MIGS: Impact on patient quality of life
Professor Christophe Baudouin, Mr Gok Ratnarajan, and Dr Ana Miguel discuss the impact of glaucoma treatments on patients' quality of life.
Episode 7: ELIOS Explained: Post-operative Pearls
Dr. Cathy McCabe, Dr. Mark Gallardo, and Mr Dan Lindfield delve into the post-operative care and expectations following the ELIOS procedure.
Episode 5: ELIOS Explained: Pearls for Patient Selection
Dr. Cathy McCabe, Dr. Mark Gallardo, and Mr Dan Lindfield discuss patient selection, communication strategies, and the need for patient-centered care.