The XEN Implant stent is a viable option for patients with refractory glaucoma who failed previous surgical treatment or for patients with primary open angle glaucoma, pseudoexfoliative or pigmentary glaucoma with open angles previously unresponsive to maximum tolerated medical therapy.
The stent, which can lower IOP and reduce topical medication use without traditional drainage surgery, is a soft, permanent, subconjunctival implant that shunts fluid from the anterior chamber to the subconjunctival space.
Made of a collagen-derived non-inflammatory gelatin material, the XEN stent is able to conform to the ocular tissue. The dimensions of the implant are made to keep the pressure from dropping to low levels in patients who have normal production of aqueous humor.
In clinical trials, the XEN Implant stent was found to lower pressure which allows surgeons to complete medical procedures earlier with more confidence and less risk in patients who would not necessarily be trabeculectomy candidates.