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. 2020 Aug 18;13(8):1318–1328. doi: 10.18240/ijo.2020.08.20

Table 1. Advantages and disadvantages of commercially available GDIs for anterior chamber use.

Shunt type Commercially-available GDI Plate material Surface area Advantages Disadvantages
Non-valved Baerveldt Silicone 250 mm2 Larger surface area of plate(s) to act as reservoir that may provide increased IOP lowering effect Delayed functioning until encapsulation of plate occurs
More intensive post-operative follow-up required
Greater risk of diplopia
Greater risk of hypotony
350 mm2
Molteno Polypropylene Single plate 130 mm2
Double plate 270 mm2
Ahmed Clear Path Silicone 250mm2
350mm2
Valved Ahmed Polypropylene 96 mm2 (S3) Immediate post-operative IOP lowering effect
Plate placed in between recti muscles hence lower risk of diplopia
Valve minimises risk of post-operative hypotony
Higher rate of bleb encapsulation
Smaller surface area of plate to act as a reservoir that may provide decreased IOP lowering effect
Defective valve mechanism can result in hypotony or obstructed outflow
184 mm2 (S2)
364 mm2 (B1)
Silicone 96 mm2 (FP8)
184 mm2 (FP7)
364 mm2 (FX1)

GDI: Glaucoma drainage implant. Adapted and updated from Schwartz et al 2006[5] and Gedde et al 2011[6].