XEN Gel Stent Early Failure-dye-enhanced Ab-externo Revision

XEN Gel Staining with Trypan Blue: A Simple and Effective Technique to Improve Device Visualization during Implantation

The Xen Gel Stent (Allergan, Irvine, CA, USA) is a hydrophilic collagen-based gelatin tube of 6 mm in length which creates a channel of communication between the anterior chamber and the subconjunctival space allowing aqueous humor outflow. XEN is an ab interno, minimally invasive, glaucoma surgery device which has a better safety profile and offers a less invasive way of lowering intraocular pressure. Unfortunately, one of its weaknesses is that visualization of the implant during surgery is difficult, and this difficulty may be exacerbated, for instance, by a subconjunctival hemorrhage. The purpose of this paper is to describe a simple and effective technique for improving device visualization (XEN 45 μm) during the implantation. How to cite this article: Ramovecchi V, Franco F, Barbera GR. XEN Gel Staining with Trypan Blue: A Simple and Effective Technique to Improve Device Visualization during Implantation. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2021;15(3):161-163.

XEN® Gel Stent: A Comprehensive Review on Its Use as a Treatment Option for Refractory Glaucoma

The XEN Gel Microstent is a subconjunctival microinvasive glaucoma surgical device developed with the aim of improving the predictability and safety profile of bleb-forming glaucoma surgical procedures. The stent is a hydrophilic tube composed of a porcine gel cross-linked with glutaraldehyde with good stability and biocompatibility with minimal tissue reaction. This device has demonstrated promising outcomes with fewer risks compared to traditional surgeries. The aim of the review is to present early studies on different designs of the XEN Gel Stent, to summarize different surgical techniques of implantation and to analyze more comprehensively the results, complications and rates of needling of the commercially available device (Xen 45). The review will address separately special cases (PXG, UVG, ICE, congenital glaucoma) and describe small series and case reports.