Successfully treating patients with refractory glaucoma remains an unmet surgical challenge. The Solx Gold Shunt (Solx, Inc.) has the potential to address this population without the formation of a bleb. This minimally invasive device is made of pure biocompatible gold and is placed in the suprachoroidal space via an elegant surgical procedure (Figure). The device is approved for use in Canada and Europe, and enrollment in its phase 3 US investigational device exemption trial is nearing completion. Although it is too early to report on the study's results, the concept behind the device and previously reported data indicate that this shunt may represent an attractive future option for glaucoma specialists.
Marlene R. Moster, MD, is a professor of ophthalmology at the Thomas Jefferson School of Medicine and is an attending surgeon at Wills Eye Institute, both in Philadelphia. She acknowledged no financial interest in the product or company mentioned herein. Dr. Moster may be reached at (215) 928-3342; marlenemoster@aol.com.
