1649 – Modification of the wording of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) existing item number to encompass the use of a microcatheter

Amendment to MBS item.

Similarly, to stents placed into Schlemm’s canal, a microcatheter is first inserted into Schlemm’s canal via the trabecular meshwork and circumnavigated 360° within Schlemm’s canal. The microcatheter breaks inner lumen adhesions and opens stenotic areas of the canal. The microcatheter dilates the canal with high molecular weight ocular viscosurgery device fluid (viscodilation) and separates herniations of the trabecular meshwork into the collector channels , thereby reducing intraocular pressure.

Type: Therapeutic

Glaucoma is a chronic progressive optic neuropathy characterised by atrophy of the optic nerve and loss of retinal ganglion cells resulting in progressive vision loss and possible blindness open angle glaucoma is the most common form of the disease caused by high intraocular pressure. The drainage angle formed by the cornea and iris remains open, but the trabecular meshwork is partially blocked. This causes pressure in the eye to gradually increase.

• PASC meeting: 10 December 2020
• ESC meeting: 7 to 8 October 2021
• MSAC meeting: 25 to 26 November 2021