Innovation

Proudly, ShunTech Biodevices introduces a novel and technically innovative, Bioresorbable Glaucoma Scaffold (BGS). Our BGS component is based on a dissolvable biosilicate material that can be used in Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS), without the need for unnecessary Mitomycin-C chemotherapeutic use or drug eluting stent technologies. MIGS is a rapidly evolving field in Ophthalmology. From the therapeutic viewpoint, MIGS stents are similar to coronary vascular stents, in many respects. In coronary revascularization, non-degradable coronary stents are gradually being replaced by Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffolds (BVS’s). Considering the risks associated with Mitomycin-C and non-degradable MIGS stents; which include unhealed wound sites and rejection responses, there is paramount importance for the BGS technology to be advanced as rapidly as possible. In 1969, Dr. Larry Hench was a pioneer in the development of bioactive glass. Inspired by the efforts of Dr. Hench, ShunTech Biodevices developed the first Bioresorbable Glaucoma Scaffold (BGS). We leveraged decades of silicate fiber optic technology manufacturing techniques, including: “melt-drawing” and “micro-fabrication”. Our ability to control every facet of manufacturing, including: material formulation, material preparation and silicate machining makes ShunTech Biodevices unique. We are a completely vertically-integrated facility. Our foresight, experience and knowledge transformed a relatively unused, lump of bioactive silicate into micro capillaries and pliable microfibers; adaptable to medical technology’s needs. We advanced the possibilities of biosilicates, well beyond those foreseen at their inception in 1969. Through the efforts of ShunTech’s engineers and scientists, versatile Bioresorbable Glaucoma Scaffolds are now a reality. They are available in many useful sizes and shapes. They are inserted via translimbal, supraciliary, or trabecular surgical approaches. Low Intraocular Pressure (IOP) adversely impacts the eye in many ways, including: corneal decompensation, accelerated cataract formation, maculopathy, and discomfort. We have developed a special stent design, based on microfiber bundles, which enhances “wicking draining,” while balancing cannula leakage and hypotony. As previously explained, coronary Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffolds (BVS’s) were developed specifically to address the need for a treatment which would lead to the self-healing of coronary vessel walls. In a comparable manner, BGS’s were developed specifically to address the need for a treatment which would lead to the self-healing of the aqueous fistula tract. Based on the data from our experimental studies on New Zealand White rabbits, ShunTech Bioresorbable Glaucoma Scaffolds demonstrated exceptionally good histopathological profiles, along the aqueous fistula. This result was unusual, as it had never been observed. We can conclude that our dissolvable BGS’s can modulate both healing and draining of the aqueous fistula through bioactive aqua-soluble ions. We realize that current glaucoma treatments are very stressful events for patients. We recognize that they are equally stressful procedures for the doctors who perform them, as they understand the trauma that their patients must endure. ShunTech dissolvable biosilicate BGS will provide a significant opportunity for the medical community to mitigate this stress in the near future. We are hopeful for the future of quality patient care, as we enter this new decade of innovation. ShunTech Biodevices looks forward to contribute to the future of this field.