VisiPlate: a brighter future for glaucoma patients

“Having been a part of all the MIGS/MIBS glaucoma trials, VisiPlate was one of the easiest first implantations I’ve ever done. It’s nice seeing the whole innovation come together, from conception to actual clinical practice…On Day 1, the eye is remarkably calm with a low, diffuse bleb. This is not what you typically see when someone undergoes surgery for refractory glaucoma. The VisiPlate is incredibly thin, yet easy to work with, making it an ideal implant for shunting procedures.”

“Starting with the training experience, it was completely worth it for the success of the surgery when it was time to do it. In terms of the procedure itself, it was familiar as a subconjunctival procedure compared to what we already do. If you have done a XEN or Express, you will be able to adapt to this easily. I really like the way it [VisiPlate] looks.”

“The VisiPlate is a remarkable technology showcasing a thin and flexible design for controlled aqueous outflow. It was also easy to install.”

“As a glaucoma surgeon, I found VisiPlate’s procedure to feel both familiar and fluid. The material was novel, yet implantation came naturally and with ease. I believe this device has the potential to meaningfully advance how we approach glaucoma surgery. Its design suggests the capacity for significant IOP lowering while maintaining a straightforward, less invasive surgical approach – a combination that could make it a compelling option for a broad range of glaucoma patients”

“I typically perform angle-based surgeries in my practice. Coming from someone like me, VisiPlate’s training and execution was remarkably straightforward. I found it intuitive enough for any surgeon comfortable in glaucoma procedures. The learning curve is low, and the plate sits so flat on the sclera. I could already see the benefits of having an ultrathin implant to treat glaucoma.”

“We are very excited to participate in this trial and to have another tool to help control the disease and reduce burden. [We’re] happy that our initial case has been successful so far.”

“In glaucoma treatment, I look for devices that pair meaningful IOP reduction with patient comfort. VisiPlate has the potential for both. It was straightforward to implant, and has a remarkably low profile on the eye. You can immediately appreciate the patient comfort advantage. I’m fascinated by the engineering behind lowering IOP in something this thin and I can see its potential in glaucoma care.”

“At Penn, we develop medicine that changes lives: from RNA therapies to fight pandemics to cell therapies to treat cancer. Now we are working to help develop a novel, nanoscale implant that can lower eye pressure for glaucoma patients. For patients with severe, refractory glaucoma, only a few options remain. So performing the first VisiPlate aqueous shunt surgery for a glaucoma patient at the University of Pennsylvania was an honor. The implant has an ultra-thin profile, but the handleability was outstanding. Our surgical team, including the nurses, technicians, and anesthesia staff executed superbly.

It is wonderful to welcome a medical device with a Penn legacy back to the place where it was conceptualized, alongside an investigator who helped shape it from the very beginning: Dr. Eydie Miller-Ellis. I was still in training when Dr. Miller became Avisi’s first clinical advisor, and it is a dream to have her continued mentorship and guidance as our team advances VisiPlate’s development as an option to treat patients with severe glaucoma.

It’s been a really nice full-circle moment, and I’m excited for what is to come.”