Glaucoma drainage shunts and methods of use
First Claim
1. A glaucoma drainage device, comprising:
- a plate; and
an elastomeric drainage tube having an open cross-section, an outflow end of the elastomeric drainage tube connected to a part of the plate and an inflow end extending away from the plate, the drainage tube having an open lumen, a length, and a tube wall with a hoop strength, wherein the inflow end of the drainage tube is configured to be inserted through an incision at or near a limbus of an eye and into an anterior chamber of the eye, wherein the drainage tube has a uniform outside diameter of less than about 0.50 mm and a uniform wall thickness of less than about 0.125 mm, the uniform outside diameter and the uniform wall thickness running the length of the drainage tube and a circumference of the drainage tube, wherein the plate is configured to extend between the sclera and the outflow end of the elastomeric drainage tube.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method of treating glaucoma in an eye utilizing an implanted shunt having an elastomeric plate and a non-valved elastomeric drainage tube. The plate is positioned over a sclera of the eye with an outflow end of the elastomeric drainage tube open to an outer surface of the plate. An inflow end of the drainage tube tunnels through the sclera and cornea to the anterior chamber of the eye. The drainage tube collapses upon initial insertion within an incision in the sclera and cornea, or at a kink on the outside of the incision, but has sufficient resiliency to restore its patency over time. The effect is a flow restrictor that regulates outflow from the eye until a scar tissue bleb forms around the plate of the shunt. The plate desirably has a peripheral ridge and a large number of fenestrations, and a longer suturing tab extending from one side of the plate to enhance visibility and accessibility when suturing the shunt to the sclera.
-
Citations
12 Claims
-
1. A glaucoma drainage device, comprising:
-
a plate; and an elastomeric drainage tube having an open cross-section, an outflow end of the elastomeric drainage tube connected to a part of the plate and an inflow end extending away from the plate, the drainage tube having an open lumen, a length, and a tube wall with a hoop strength, wherein the inflow end of the drainage tube is configured to be inserted through an incision at or near a limbus of an eye and into an anterior chamber of the eye, wherein the drainage tube has a uniform outside diameter of less than about 0.50 mm and a uniform wall thickness of less than about 0.125 mm, the uniform outside diameter and the uniform wall thickness running the length of the drainage tube and a circumference of the drainage tube, wherein the plate is configured to extend between the sclera and the outflow end of the elastomeric drainage tube. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
-
-
7. A glaucoma drainage device, comprising:
-
a plate having a peripheral ridge projecting outward from an outer surface and extending around a perimetric edge of the plate; and an elastomeric drainage tube having an open cross-section, an outflow end of the elastomeric drainage tube connected to a part of the plate and an inflow end extending away from the plate, the drainage tube having an open lumen, a length, and a tube wall with a hoop strength, wherein the inflow end of the drainage tube is configured to be inserted through an incision at or near a limbus of an eye and into an anterior chamber of the eye, wherein the drainage tube has a uniform outside diameter of less than about 0.50 mm and a uniform wall thickness of less than about 0.125 mm, the uniform outside diameter and the uniform wall thickness running the length of the drainage tube and a circumference of the drainage tube, wherein the plate is configured to extend between the sclera and the outflow end of the elastomeric drainage tube. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
Specification