1. Robert J. Noecker, MD, MBA Kimberly V. Miller, MD UPMC Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Ophthalmology & Visual Science Research Center The Eye & Ear Institute millerkv@upmc.edu The authors of this poster received research funding from National Institutes of Health CORE Grant P30 EY008098, Eye and Ear Foundation of Pittsburgh, and Research to Prevent Blindness, New York, NY. The authors have no conflicts of interest.

2.  To compare the length of time used to place the tube of a glaucoma drainage device into the anterior chamber or ciliary sulcus using standard methods or using 25-gauge vitreoretinal microforceps (D.O.R.C.).

3.  24 videos of glaucoma drainage device (GDD) surgery were reviewed.  16 (66%) used standard Hoskins forceps and 8 (33%) used D.O.R.C. forceps.  D.O.R.C. microforceps were used to insert the tube tip through the sclerotomy in superotemporal cases, and were inserted through a corneal paracentesis incision out through sclera and used to pull the tube tip into the eye in inferonasal cases.

6.  Average total case time for GDD surgery using 25G microsurgical forceps was 16.0 ± 4.8 minutes, and using standard forceps was 22.4 ± 8.0 minutes.  The use of 25G microsurgical forceps shortened total case time by 28.3%, p=0.032.

7.  Average time for insertion of GDD tube using 25G microsurgical forceps was 0.6 ± 0.3 minutes, and using standard forceps was 3.2 ± 2.3 minutes.  The use of 25G microsurgical forceps shortened time of tube insertion by 80.1%, p=0.002.

10.  25G microsurgical forceps shorten GDD surgical time. This may lead to improved surgical efficiency, greater patient safety and comfort, and lower overall healthcare spending.