Intraocular pressure monitoring/measuring apparatus and method

• US 20020052544A1
• Filed: 08/07/2001
• Published: 05/02/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/08/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lee Birchansky, Robert E. Jeffries
• Original Assignee: Lee Birchansky, Robert E. Jeffries
• Inventors: Birchansky, Lee, Jeffries, Robert E.
• Granted Patent: US 6,712,764 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/398
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 3/16 for measuring intraocular pressure, e.g. tonometers
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/00781 Apparatus for modifying intraocular pressure, e.g. for glaucoma treatment drainage implants in general A61M27/002
• CPC Class Codes: G01L 9/002 Optical excitation or measuring

Abstract

An apparatus and method of monitoring/measuring intraocular pressure in an eye includes a miniature pressure sensor having an attachment for connecting the miniature pressure sensor to the iris of the eye or an intraocular lens. The miniature pressure sensor is preferably a Polysilicon Resonant Transducer (PRT).

Claims

1. An apparatus capable of monitoring intraocular pressure in an eye having an internal tissue including anterior and posterior chambers defined by an iris comprising:

a miniature pressure sensor having an attachment for connecting the miniature pressure sensor to the internal tissue of the eye.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the miniature pressure sensor is encased in a material bio-compatible to the eye.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the attachment includes a sensor encasement with holes therethrough for suturing the apparatus onto the internal tissue of the eye.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the attachment is a clamp for holding the miniature pressure sensor onto the internal tissue of the eye.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the attachment is a prolene barb for attaching on the iris.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the miniature pressure sensor is encased in the material made of silicone.

7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the miniature pressure sensor is encased in the material made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA).

8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the miniature pressure sensor is encased in the material made of acrylic polymer.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the miniature pressure sensor is a Polysilicon Resonant Transducer.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the internal tissue is the iris on the anterior chamber side of the eye.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the internal tissue is the iris on the posterior chamber side of the eye.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an intraocular lens, wherein the miniature pressure sensor is incorporated into the intraocular lens.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the miniature pressure sensor is small enough to allow implant into the eye without impeding eye function.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the miniature pressure sensor is a passive, miniature electronic circuit having a sensor component for interaction with optic energy and a pressure detector component for affecting circuit response.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the miniature pressure sensor is a passive, miniature electronic circuit having a sensor component for interaction with electromagnetic energy and a pressure detector component for affecting circuit response.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the miniature pressure sensor is a passive, miniature electronic circuit having a sensor component for interaction with sonic energy and a pressure detector component for affecting circuit response.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the attaching of the miniature pressure sensor is accomplished by suturing.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the attaching of the miniature pressure sensor is accomplished by clamping.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the attaching pressure sensor is accomplished by using a prolene barb.

21. The method of claim 17, further comprising implanting an intraocular lens in the eye, wherein the miniature pressure sensor is a stand-alone device separate from the intraocular lens.

22. The method of claim 17, further comprising implanting an intraocular lens in the eye, wherein the miniature pressure sensor is a part of the implanted intraocular lens.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the energy source is a laser source.

25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the energy source is an electromagnetic source.

26. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the energy source is a sonic source.

27. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising an intraocular lens, wherein the miniature pressure sensor is incorporated into the intraocular lens.

29. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the instrument is a laproscope, an optical fiber laser device, a scalpel, an endoscope, a phacoemulsification handpiece, an irrigation/aspiration handpiece, or a catheter.

30. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the instrument is phacoemulsification handpiece.

31. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the instrument is a irrigation/aspiration handpiece.

17. A method of monitoring intraocular pressure in an eye having an internal tissue including anterior and posterior chambers defined by an iris, comprising:

attaching a miniature pressure sensor to the iris of the eye;

irradiating a laser light onto the miniature pressure sensor; and

sensing intraocular pressure in the eye.

23. An apparatus capable of monitoring intraocular pressure in an eye having an internal tissue comprising:

an energy source disposed external to the eye; and

a miniature pressure sensor having an attachment for connecting the miniature pressure sensor to the internal tissue of the eye, upon activating the miniature pressure sensor by the light source, the miniature pressure sensor monitoring/measuring the intraocular pressure in the eye.

28. An apparatus capable of monitoring pressure, temperature, and acoustic energy directly in the body of a patient in need of such monitoring comprising:

a miniature pressure sensor incorporated into a surgical or non-surgical instrument for use in the body.