Transpupillary Thermotherapy
Transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) is a procedure that uses heat from a lower powered laser to coagulate the leaky blood vessels. TTT uses the laser for longer periods of time and is designed to slowly heat the spot where the bleeding is occurring. Because it is using low heat, damage to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is minimized. How does TTT Work?The laser works by raising the temperature in the RPE which leads to vessel coagulation. The goal is to stop the growth and leakage of new blood vessels.TTT is usually performed in the doctor's office under local anesthesia. The aim of the treatment is to preserve existing vision and not to improve vision. There are two types of wet macular degeneration. They are: 1) Classic Meo-vascularization (seen), or 2) Occult Neo-Vascularization (hidden). This macular degeneration therapy is used to treat patients with occult new vessels. Over 70% of people with wet macular degeneration have the occult type. TTT is considered investigational as a treatment for choroidal neovascularization and is not usually covered by insurance.
Clinical Trials using TTT1) The Ranibizumab Plus Transpupillary Thermotherapy for Neovascular AMD StudyThey hyopthesis of this study in Stockholm, Sweden is "that when ranibizumab (Lucentis) is combined with transpupillary themotherapy (TTT) the number of necessary retreatments with Lucentis will be significantly reduced as compared to ranibizumab alone. 2) TTT Versus PDT for Treatment of Choroidal Neovascularization in Age-Related Macular Degeneration The purpose of this study, also in Stockholm, Sweden is "to compare photodynamic therapy to TTT as a treatment method for choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration." As of January 2010, this study was terminated due to difficulties in recruiting patients.
Go from Transpupillary Thermotherapy to Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment
Would you like to be updated on: 
√ The latest clinical trials?
√ Prevention of Macular Degeneration? √ Tips for Daily Living? √ Food Suggestions for a Macular Degeneration Diet? √ Ideas on Visual Aids to Maximize your Sight? If you said "yes" to any of the above, sign up for my monthly Macular Degeneration News.
New! CommentsShare your thoughts about what you just read! Leave a comment in the box below. |
