Will the PRESERFLO™ MicroShunt impact the future of trabeculectomy practice? A UK and Éire Glaucoma Society National Survey

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To explore the attitudes of UK glaucoma specialists regarding the current and future practice of trabeculectomy and the novel PRESERFLO™ MicroShunt (PF-MS) device, and intentions to adopt the PF-MS into routine glaucoma surgical practice. METHODS: Online survey of UK and Éire Glaucoma Society members. RESULTS: 43 glaucoma consultants completed the survey. All surgeons performed trabeculectomies (median of 40 annually) and 51% undertook PF-MS procedures (median of 22.5 annually). The mean duration of surgery was reported as 48.9 (SD 13.3) and 31.2 (SD 9.9) min for trabeculectomy and PF-MS respectively (p < 0.0001). For surgeons not currently using the PF-MS, 65% planned to do so. Respondents judged completion of 35 trabeculectomies and 10 PF-MS were required to achieve basic competence. 91% of participants predicted their trabeculectomy volume would decrease and 73% expected PF-MS usage to increase. Respondents reported a median of six and four follow-ups within 3 months post surgery for trabeculectomy and PF-MS respectively (p < 0.0001). Respondents reported trabeculectomy required more post-operative interventions than the PF-MS and 81.8% judged the patient experience to be better with the PF-MS. The PF-MS was deemed suitable for early visual field loss by 72% of respondents, severe visual field loss by 35% and normal tension glaucoma by 21%. CONCLUSION: The PF-MS has seen rapid adoption in the UK. Respondents predict its usage will significantly increase whilst trabeculectomies will decrease. They report the PF-MS is quicker to learn and perform, and requires less post-operative follow-ups and interventions which may facilitate a more efficient service delivery for patients requiring glaucoma surgery.