Cypass Micro-Stent Surgery

Dr. Brian Francis discusses the CyPass Micro-Stent (Alcon), a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) device for primary open-angle glaucoma. Unlike other glaucoma surgical devices, CyPass was designed to create a permanent conduit from the anterior chamber to the suprachoroidal space, draining the aqueous internally rather than accessing Schlemm’s canal or the conventional aqueous outflow pathway. Implanted into the supraciliary space through a clear corneal incision, the technique avoids the formation of a filtering bleb and spares the conjunctiva. CyPass is intended for use in combination with cataract surgery or as a stand-alone procedure.

Note: Alcon announced on August 29, 2018, an immediate, voluntary market withdrawal of the CyPass Micro-Stent from the global market. The announcement came after researchers detected a concerning rise in endothelial cell loss (ECL) among patients who received the device during cataract surgery 5 years ago, compared with patients who underwent cataract surgery alone.