Pooled Data Analysis of the Ahmed Baerveldt Comparison Study and the Ahmed Versus Baerveldt Study

Data from 2 independent randomized clinical trials, the Ahmed Baerveldt Comparison (ABC) Study and the Ahmed Versus Baerveldt (AVB) Study, were pooled for analysis to determine whether the Ahmed-FP7 or the Baerveldt BG101-350 implant was more efficacious in the treatment of refractory or high-risk glaucoma. Both devices lowered intraocular pressure (IOP) and decreased the need for glaucoma medications. The Baerveldt group had a lower failure rate, lower rate of de novo glaucoma surgery, and lower mean IOP on fewer medications than the Ahmed group. However, Baerveldt implantation carried a higher risk of hypotony. The authors recommended that the selection of a device for a patient should be based on target IOP, compliance with medications, urgency for IOP lowering, surgeon familiarity with each device, and the surgeon’s personal outcomes with the individual devices.