Meibomian gland intraductal diagnostic and treatment methods
First Claim
1. A method for improving meibomian gland function in a patient comprising:
- inserting a distal end of an elongated probe into a meibomian gland of an eyelid of a patient via a natural orifice thereinto.
2 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method is provided for treating a meibomian gland of an eyelid of a patient. In a particular embodiment, an obstruction in a meibomian gland and the orifice thereof can be alleviated; in another, a substance can be injected thereinto; in yet another, the gland can be aspirated. The method includes the step of inserting an elongated probe into a meibomian gland via an orifice thereinto. In some embodiments the probe can have a longitudinal lumen therethrough, with at least one distal hole through the probe wall in fluid communication with the lumen. The lumen can be used in concert with a source of suction for removing debris from the meibomian gland, and/or with a source of a fluid and pumping means, for injecting a substance into the meibomian gland.
25 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method for improving meibomian gland function in a patient comprising:
inserting a distal end of an elongated probe into a meibomian gland of an eyelid of a patient via a natural orifice thereinto. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
Specification