Ophthalmic medical technology firm Glaukos has introduced its next-generation iStent inject trabecular micro-bypass stent in Australia.
The company has received approval from the Australian Therapeutics Goods Administration for iStent inject for use in conjunction with cataract surgery to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in adult patients with mild-to-moderate glaucoma currently treated with ocular hypotensive medication.
The system is preloaded with two micro-scale stents, which the surgeon places though a single corneal entry point into multiple trabecular meshwork locations using a click and release motion.
Each iStent inject is around 0.3mm in diameter and 0.4mm long, and is made by using surgical-grade non-ferromagnetic titanium that is coated with heparin.
Glaukos president and CEO Thomas Burns said: "We are excited about the opportunity to bring innovative MIGS solutions to Australian ophthalmic surgeons and their glaucoma patients.
"Our investment in Australia demonstrates our continued commitment to expand our direct sales operations in targeted markets and increase the global reach of our breakthrough iStent technology platform."
Last August, the firm received Health Canada approval for the iStent inject system for the reduction of IOP in patients diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma, pseudoexfoliative glaucoma or pigmentary glaucoma.
Glaukos is involved in developing and commercializing novel products and procedures for the treatment of glaucoma, one of the world’s leading causes of blindness.