Alcon announces EU launch of CyPass® Micro-Stent, a micro invasive glaucoma surgical device, to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma - Seite 2

"The CyPass Micro-Stent is designed to address the greatest unmet need in glaucoma treatment, reducing patient burden by lowering dependence on topical glaucoma medicine," said Ian Bell, Region President, Europe, Middle East and Africa for Alcon. "We're pleased to offer the CyPass Micro-Stent as a valuable new surgical treatment option for providers and patients in four EU countries, further expanding Alcon's leadership in glaucoma and surgical ophthalmology."

The CyPass Micro-Stent is now available in the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain. Alcon launched the CyPass Micro-Stent in the US last October and plans to train and certify over 500 surgeons in 2017.

About Glaucoma
More than 60 million people globally are affected by glaucoma that can lead to progressive damage of the optic nerve. Early diagnosis of glaucoma is critical to manage the disease, as it is often asymptomatic and therefore can go undetected until it is at an advanced stage. As the disease progresses, patients may experience loss of peripheral (side) vision, tunnel vision or eye spots. Glaucoma can eventually result in gradual, irreversible loss of vision and blindness. The exact cause of glaucoma is unknown. However, elevated pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure, or IOP) is generally present with glaucoma and is the only known modifiable risk factor. As a chronic disease, patients can be treated with eye drops, oral medications, laser surgery, traditional surgery or a combination of these methods[1][2][4].

About the CyPass Micro-Stent
The CyPass Micro-Stent is a prescription medical device that is indicated for use in conjunction with cataract surgery for the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) in adult patients with mild to moderate primary open-angle glaucoma, or for use in cataract surgery or as a standalone procedure for the reduction of IOP in adult patients with primary open-angle glaucoma where previous medical treatments have failed.  Use of the CyPass® Micro-Stent is contraindicated in eyes with angle closure glaucoma, in eyes with traumatic, malignant, uveitic or neovascular glaucoma or discernible congenital anomalies of the anterior chamber angle and in patients with known intolerance or hypersensitivity to topical anesthetics, miotics, mydriatics or polyimide. The surgeon should monitor the patient postoperatively for proper maintenance of IOP.  If IOP is not adequately maintained after implantation of a CyPass Micro-Stent, additional therapy may be needed for IOP control.