Feasibility Study of Balloon Angioplasty for the Treatment of Ophthalmic Artery Stenoses in Patients With Geographic Atrophy

Background and Objective: A safety and feasibility study was conducted using balloon angioplasty to treat ophthalmic artery (OA) stenoses in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with geographic atrophy (GA). Patients and Methods: Patients ≥ 60 years of age received OA angioplasty using an investigational catheter system and were followed for 6 months. Changes in stenosis, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), MNRead acuity charts, ophthalmic imaging, and a validated questionnaire were evaluated. Results: Eleven patients were treated. All adverse events were treated as needed and resolved without sequelae. Treated patients demonstrated a mean improvement over baseline in BCVA ( P = .01) and reading speed ( P = .03) at study exit. Mean subfoveal choroidal thickness increased over baseline ( P = .004) and fellow eyes ( P = .03) through week 4, remaining above baseline at study exit. Participants reported mean improvements in both mobility and reading. Conclusion: Treating OA stenoses using angioplasty in patients with GA was safe with apparent visual function benefit.