New Delhi, March 11 A leading Army hospital here performed a novel procedure to achieve precise, targeted placement of a specific implant, aimed at benefiting glaucoma patients, the defence ministry said on Wednesday.
"In a significant advancement in glaucoma surgery, surgeons at Army Hospital (Research & Referral) have successfully performed the world's first implantation of the Hydrus Microstent, guided by intraoperative aqueous angiography, along with cataract surgery," the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry said the procedure was performed on March 10 using advanced surgical instruments and imaging with the Heidelberg Retina Angiograph (HRA) to visualize aqueous outflow pathways in real time.
"This novel technique allows precise, targeted placement of the implant within Schlemm's canal, enhancing aqueous drainage and improving outcomes for patients with glaucoma," the statement said.
A Schlemm's canal is a vascular structure that collects aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of an eyeball and delivers it to the veins of the eyeball. Its blockage can cause glaucoma, according to medical experts.
This achievement represents a major global milestone in precision minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.
It underscores the modernization in advancing cutting-edge ophthalmic innovation and patient care in the defence forces under the leadership of Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, the statement said.