New World Medical, a manufacturer of ophthalmic surgical devices, recently announced the registration of its KDB GLIDE device for glaucoma surgery with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).* The KDB GLIDE is designed to give surgeons a more precise experience when performing an excisional goniotomy, a type of procedure used to treat glaucoma and lower intraocular pressure (IOP).

What is a goniotomy?

When the trabecular meshwork (your eye’s internal drainage system) gets blocked or damaged, an excisional goniotomy can be performed to remove part of the meshwork. In doing so, this allows the eye’s inner fluid, or aqueous humor (AH), to drain better, which lowers your IOP. It also helps to prevent further damage to the optic nerve. 

Goniotomy has been approved for mild, moderate, and severe glaucoma—making more than 4.5 million patients in the U.S. suitable candidates for the procedure.

How will the KDB GLIDE improve this procedure?

The KDB GLIDE improves upon the existing gold standard for goniotomy technology, the Kahook Dual Blade family of devices, by adding:

• Tapered sides
• A rounded heel
• A smaller footplate 

“We are continuously soliciting feedback from our customers and implementing improvements to help surgeons and ultimately patients gain better outcomes,” said Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing Raymond Kong. “KDB GLIDE has elevated the refinement and fluidity of excisional goniotomy, putting a smooth precision instrument in the surgeon’s hands.”

*Eyewire News. (2020, Oct. 14). New World Medical Registers New KDB GLIDE for Smooth, Precise Goniotomy. [Press Release] https://eyewire.news/articles/new-world-medical-registers-new-kdb-glide-for-smooth-precise-goniotomy/ 

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