New World Medical launches new non-valved glaucoma drainage device

The Ahmed ClearPath ST is available in both the 250 and 350 models. Image credit: AdobeStock/Svitlana

Ophthalmic surgical device firm New World Medical has recently announced the launch of the Ahmed ClearPath® ST, a non-valved glaucoma drainage device.¹ The new device is an addition to the Ahmed ClearPath family of valveless drainage devices, also available in Model 250 and Model 350, which are used during glaucoma shunt surgery with and without a patch graft, according to a news release.

“New World Medical is committed to continuous innovation,” said Raymond Kong, chief commercial officer at New World Medical, in the release. “The Ahmed ClearPathST marks another milestone in our mission to deliver innovative solutions that empower surgeons and improve the lives of patients globally.”

The company stated that the distinguishing feature of the new Ahmed ClearPath is its smaller tube lumen, which includes a pre-threaded 6-0 Prolene ripcord suture and a 25-gauge needle for the scleral tunneling. The brand family offers 2 plate sizes (250mm² and 350mm²) and 2 tube sizes, which can be mixed and matched with 4 different final options. The Ahmed ClearPath’s tube has an inner diameter of 305 μm with an outer diameter of 635 μm, while the new ClearPath ST offers a smaller profile tube of 127 μm and a 457 μm outer diameter. This smaller option allows for more flexibility for surgeons to accommodate different patient needs and surgical preferences, according to New World Medical.¹

“The Ahmed ClearPath ST represents a significant step forward, allowing glaucoma specialists to overcome long-standing limitations associated with traditional tube shunts. The smaller diameter tube enables excellent pressure control with the potential for enhanced safety and improved postoperative management and personalization of treatment,” said Manjool Shah, MD, of Michigan Medicine, in the release.

The Ahmed ClearPath ST is available in both the 250 and 350 models; the 250 model allows for a true single-quadrant implantation and avoids rectus muscle isolation, while the 350 model sports a winged design to avoid rectus muscle attachment points. The device’s anterior fixation eyelets are designed for easier suture access and a more posterior plate placement. The glob-shaped implant allows for a more natural fit and provides a low-lying, diffuse bleb.¹

New World Medical has also celebrated the launch of several other surgical devices this year, including the VIA360™ Surgical System and enhanced STREAMLINE Surgical System that features a clear tip.¹ STREAMLINE allows for an implant-free procedure and features a priming port to load viscoelastic and an actuator button for ClickPulse Technology initiation.² This technology creates precise goniotomies in the trabecular meshwork and delivers small amounts of ophthalmic viscosurgical device into the canal of Schlemm.³ VIA360 features a catheter with microchannels that reach forward and tangential to target areas, with up to 360-degree catheterization. The device is single entry, with no device rotation required.²

References:

1. New World Medical introduces the Ahmed ClearPath ST glaucoma drainage device. News release. New World Medical. September 2, 2025. Accessed September 2, 2025.

2. Product Information. New World Medical. Accessed September 2, 2025. https://www.newworldmedical.com/product-information/

3. New World Medical announces launch details for the STREAMLINE Surgical System. News release. New World Medical. March 1, 2022. Accessed September 2, 2025. https://www.newworldmedical.com/new-world-medical-announces-launch-details-for-the-streamline-surgical-system/