ECP Glaucoma Surgery
An opportunity to improve your vision while reducing or completely
eliminating your dependence on Glaucoma medications.
ECP Clinical Outcomes Overview
Over the past ten years Clinical Studies on ECP around the globe
have confirmed that:
50% - 55% of ECP patients are able to discontinue Glaucoma
Medications post operatively.
75% - 80% of ECP Patients are able to reduce number and/or
frequency of Glaucoma Medications.
Over 90% of ECP Patients experience a reduction in IOP averaging
around 25%.
ECP - Endoscopic Cyclophotocoagulation
• Endoscopic: Intraocular visualization
• Cyclo: Circular-pattern application
• Photocoagulation: Tissue ablation using light energy
Endoscopic Cyclophotocoagulation is surgical procedure that effectively
inhibits the production of aqueous fluid in the eye, by directing laser
energy under endoscopic view to treat the surface cells of the ciliary
processes typically resulting in a decrease in intraocular pressure, and a
reduction or elimination of a patient’s dependence on glaucoma
medications.
The Technique
The surgical technique, Endoscopic Cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) was
developed by Martin Uram, MD, MPH during the early 1990’s and has
been practiced and refined globally over the past decade.
ECP is a minimally invasive microsurgical technique that involves the use
of a Laser MicroEndoscope to allow viewing and treatment of surface
layer of the ciliary processes, a circular array of organs that are located
near the base of the underside of the iris, which exude aqueous fluid into
the anterior portion of the eye. The Infrared Laser operates at a
wavelength (810 nm) that is selectively absorbed by the pigmented
surface cells (ciliary epithelium) of the processes. As laser energy is
directed at the process, it’s ability to exude aqueous fluid is inhibited.
Animation of ECP at the time of Cataract Surgery
Animation of ECP as a stand alone procedure
The Technology
Endoscope
Medical Endoscopes are used to view internal parts of the body through
small openings. They generally utilize fiberoptic imaging, and state of the
art high resolution cameras to allow, for example, an Orthopedic Surgeon
to examine and repair a knee ligament through a ¼” wound, instead of
having to make much larger incisions to expose the treatment area.
In nearly every field of contemporary medicine, Endoscopes have
revolutionized Minimally Invasive Surgery, significantly improving clinical
outcomes while reducing surgical complications and patient recovery time.
Endoscopes are used in medical fields ranging from Cardiology,
Ear/Nose/Throat, and Urology to Orthopedics and Thoracic surgery.
Among the many applications are:
Arthoscopy: The examination of joints, (i.e. knee, shoulder), for diagnosis
and treatment (arthroscopic surgery).
Bronchoscopy: examination of the trachea and lung's bronchial trees to
reveal abscesses, bronchitis, carcinoma, tumors, tuberculosis, infection,
inflammation.
Laparoscopy: visualization of the stomach, liver and other abdominal
organs including the female reproductive organs, for example, the
fallopian tubes.
Angioscopy: visualization of the major arteries leading to the heart,
Dr. Martin Uram designed and developed the Laser Microendoscope in
1991, incorporating micro optical technology utilized by the U.S. Air Force.
Dr. Uram conceived of the idea of enabling simultaneous viewing and
treatment through a microendooscope featuring a unique integrated
fiberoptic bundle that allows both imaging and laser delivery through a
single instrument. The Laser MicroEndoscope, which has undergone
continuous improvement and refinement as fiberoptic imaging technology
has evolved during the past 15 years. The Laser Microendoscope is
among the smallest endoscopes used in medicine.
CLINICAL OUTCOMES and SAFETY
(Selected Clinical Studies)
PATIENT BENEFITS
Highly successful in reducing intraocular pressure in patients with Primary
Open Angle Glaucoma.
Minimally invasive endoscopically directed laser therapy affords quicker
recovery and lower complication rates than previous surgical techniques.
Over two thirds of POAG patients treated with ECP will significantly
reduce the number and/or frequency of glaucoma medications. About
half are able to discontinue them.
REDUCED MEDICATIONS – Can Improve Compliance and Control, and
Lower Prescription Costs.
REDUCED MEDICATIONS – Can Enhance Quality Of Life for many
patients, for example those that are able to discontinue use of a Beta
Blocker will often feel far more energetic.
ECP Simultaneous to Cataract Surgery - Safe, Effective,
Convenient.
While there are other simultaneous surgical options to treat cataract
patients with elevated intraocular pressure, ECP offers the best safety
record, most predictably improved outcomes, least complicated follow up,
and quickest recovery of any.
ECP can be performed though the micro incisions already made during
Cataract Surgery, and takes only a few extra minutes of surgical time.
Recovery, follow up visits, and complication rates are typically the same
as for Cataract Surgery alone.
GLOSSARY
Aqueous Fluid
Ciliary Processes
Clinical Studies
Complication Rates
Cyclo
Endoscopic
Endoscopic Cyclophotocoagulation
Endoscopy
Glaucoma
Infrared Laser
Intraocular Pressure
Iris
Laser
Laser Microendoscope
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Photocoagulation
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
AVAILABILITY
ECP is performed at hundreds of leading Hospitals, Academic Medical
Centers and private practices throughout North America, and at leading
eye centers around the globe, including:
University of Alabama
University of California San Francisco
Duke University Medical Center
To find a qualified surgeon in your area please input your zip code in the
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