HFDS® for modern MIGS surgery
HFDS stands for High Frequency Deep Sclerotomy. In micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), HFDS creates direct access from the anterior chamber to the Schlemm’s canal and further into the sclera. The resistance of the trabecular meshwork is thus bypassed. The HFDS glaucoma tip is inserted through 1.2 mm paracentesis and, by means of diathermy output, it creates six small sclerotomy pockets in the iridocorneal angle, ensuring improved outflow of aqueous fluid.
HFDS can be used individually and can also be ideally combined with cataract surgery. HFDS is characterised by a very short intervention time. Bleb formation is prevented, and so is fibroblast movement to the sclerotomy. Moreover, there are no corneal scars. Oertli’s High Frequency Deep Sclerotomy boasts excellent long-term results. If required, a further HFDS intervention can be made to optimise results.
Advantages of HFDS®
- Ideal in combination with cataract surgery or as individual application
- Very short intervention time
- Excellent long-term results
- No bleb-formation, no corneal scars
- Surgery can be repeated
- Very low complication rate
Instruments

Diathermie hand piece, reusable | |
VE201710 | Diathermy handpiece, long, reusable |
VE201712 | Diathermy handpiece, short, reusable |
HFDS glaucoma tip, reusable | |
VE201751 | HFDS glaucoma tip, reusable |
What is HFDS®?
HFDS (High Frequency Deep Sclerotomy) is the implant-free MIGS solution for glaucoma treatment. But what exactly is HFDS? This video explains in which cases the HFDS procedure is used and which instruments are applied.
The HFDS® procedure
The HFDS (High Frequency Deep Sclerotomy) procedure is an implant-free MIGS procedure to lower intraocular pressure by reducing the outflow resistance of the aqueous humour. In this animation, all surgical steps of the HFDS procedure are explained.
See HFDS® in application now
REDUCTION OF THE IOP
Clinical studies confirm a long-term significant reduction in the IOP with a considerable reduction in the number of antiglaucoma medication (AGM) [1]. Together with the low complication rates, HFDS is a safe and efficient glaucoma procedure [1, 2, 3].
[1] B. Pajic, B. Pajic-Eggspuehler, and I. Haefliger, “New minimally invasive, deep sclerotomy ab-interno surgical procedure for glaucoma, six years of follow-up,” Journal of glaucoma, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 109–114, 2011, doi: 10.1097/IJG.0b013e3181dddf31.
[2] B. Pajic, Z. Cvejic, K. Mansouri, M. Resan, and R. Allemann, “High-Frequency Deep Sclerotomy, A Minimal Invasive Ab-interno Glaucoma Procedure Combined with Cataract Surgery: Physical Properties and Clinical Outcome,” Applied Sciences, vol. 10, no. 1, p. 218, 2020, doi: 10.3390/app10010218.
[3] Kaweh Mansouri, M.D., M.P.H., A Multicenter Prospective Study of High-Frequency Deep Sclerotomy (HFDS) in Open-Angle Glaucoma: 3-Year Outcomes: Manuskript; UNPUBLISHED DATA.
Recent studies & postoperative treatment
With HFDS, a reduction in intraocular pressure is already noticeable in the first few days after the operation. In the following video you will learn why you do not need pressure-reducing eye drops and how the reduction in intraocular pressure is measured using the latest studies.
What do experts say about HFDS®?
You want to know more?
-
High Frequency Deep Sclerotomy, Dr Florian Sutter, Ophthalmology Times Europe, 2022
-
Triggerfish Recording of IOP Patterns in Combined HFDS Minimally Invasive Glaucoma and Cataract Surgery, Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021
-
Ab Interno Approach with No Implant Needed, The Ophthalmologist, 2021
-
High-Frequency Deep Sclerotomy, A Minimal Invasive Ab Interno Glaucoma Procedure Combined with Cataract Surgery: Physical Properties and Clinical Outcome, Eye Clinic Orasis, 2019
-
The Efficacy and Safety of High-Frequency Deep Sclerotomy in Treatment of Chronic Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients, Research Institute of Ophthalmology Cairo, Cairo University Faculty of Medicine, 2019
-
Ab-Interno Deep Sclerotomy in Eight Simple Steps, Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today Europe, 2017
-
HFDS Glaucoma Procedure, Dr. Bojan Pajic, European Opthalmic Review, 2012
-
New Minimally Invasive, Deep Sclerotomy ab interno Surgical Procedure for Glaucoma, Six Years of Follow-up, Dr. Bojan Pajic, Journal of Glaucoma, 2011
-
The Future Way of Phaco & MIGS Surgeries - Highlights from ESCRS Satellite Symposium, The Ophthalmologist, 2015
The HFDS DryLab KIT
With the compact, mobile and flexible training tool, we provide a more impactful introduction into HFDS than ever before.
Cataract surgery
Thanks to Oertli innovations such as easyPhaco and HF capsulotomy, cataract surgery can be performed more quickly, safely and calmly than ever before.
Vitreoretinal surgery
In vitrectomy surgery, the OS 4 brings about superb results thanks to the well-thought-out fluidics concept and innovative instruments.