Introducing the Ahmed ClearPath® ST: Evolving Design for Evolving Needs in Glaucoma Surgery

Building upon the clinical success and growing adoption of the original Ahmed ClearPath®, a non-valved device introduced in 2019 and shown in head-to-head studies to outperform the leading non-valved tube,^1,2 the ACP ST further advances its proven platform. It offers glaucoma surgeons a more refined solution that enhances flexibility, predictability, and patient comfort in the management of refractory glaucoma. One of the key distinguishing features of the ACP ST is its smaller tube lumen, designed for improved flow resistance. It features an inner diameter of 127 μm and an outer diameter of 457 μm, compared to the original ACP’s larger inner diameter of 305 μm and outer diameter of 635 μm. This reduction in size may contribute to greater control in early postoperative IOP management.

“ACP ST’s smaller tube will provide a reliable and controlled option to achieve target IOPs and may reduce the risk of tube erosion,” says Dr. Gabriel Lazcano-Gómez, Associate Professor at the Department of Glaucoma, Asociación para Evitar la Ceguera en México (APEC).

To streamline intraoperative efficiency and consistency, the ACP ST is delivered as a fully integrated surgical system. It comes pre-packaged with a 6-0 Prolene ripcord suture pre-inserted into the tube lumen, along with a 25-gauge needle for precise scleral tunneling. These enhancements help reduce variability, simplify the procedure, and minimize the risk of using an incorrect gauge, addressing a common safety gap in surgical workflows. The smaller outer diameter of the ACP ST tube also facilitates smoother insertion and may help reduce risk of postoperative leakage by requiring a smaller entry point into the eye.

“Utilizing the ripcord from the same manufacturer ensures consistency in flow control,” explains Dr. Lazcano-Gómez. “The product’s tube and ripcord offer a high level of consistency, contributing to improved surgical control and clinical outcomes. This is supported by the use of a single suture supplier for reliable material performance.”

The ACP ST also incorporates a flexible, globe-conforming plate material that facilitates a natural fit and encourages the formation of a diffuse, low-lying bleb. The device is available in two plate sizes: the model 250, which supports true single-quadrant implantation without rectus muscle isolation, and the model 350, which features a winged design to offset the rectus muscle attachment points. “The flexibility of the 250 model is excellent. You can roll the plate and insert it through a smaller incision with minimal manipulation,” Dr. Lazcano-Gómez shares. “Its low-profile design also helps avoid the formation of high, thick blebs that can cause patient discomfort or cosmetic concerns.”

Another surgical refinement is the anterior positioning of the suture eyelets, which facilitates posterior plate placement and improves intraoperative handling. “The anterior eyelets allow me to secure the plate without enlarging the peritomy,” adds Dr. Lazcano-Gómez. “This preserves more conjunctiva and reduces potential scarring, particularly valuable in eyes that may need future surgical interventions.”

From a postoperative standpoint, Dr. Lazcano-Gómez has observed that the ACP ST offers meaningful clinical advantages. In ligated tube scenarios, outcomes are comparable to the original Ahmed ClearPath® at six weeks. However, in non-ligated cases, surgeons may observe significant IOP reductions as early as postoperative day one, a benefit not consistently seen with other non-valved tubes in the market.

As glaucoma treatment paradigms advance, the Ahmed ClearPath® ST represents a thoughtful convergence of design innovation, surgical efficiency, and patient-centered performance. It reflects New World Medical’s continued commitment to supporting glaucoma specialists with refined tools that enhance outcomes and surgical confidence.

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