Bypass for glaucoma drainage device

• US 20070078371A1
• Filed: 12/05/2006
• Published: 04/05/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/14/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Regents of The University of Minnesota (University of Minnesota)
• Original Assignee: Regents of The University of Minnesota (University of Minnesota)
• Inventors: Ziaie, Babak, Pan, Tingrui, Brown, J.
• Application Number:
  US11/633,916
• Publication Number:
  US 20070078371A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/9
• 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: A61M 27/002 Implant devices for drainage of body fluids from one part of the body to another intraocular A61F9/00781; middle ear A61F11/202
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/141 with capillaries for restricting fluid flow

Abstract

Aqueous humor flow control for managing intraocular pressure in an eye. Excessive pressure due to formation of a fibrous capsule and valve resistance is relieved by bypassing the valve element or by providing a secondary discharge port. Removal of resistance is enabled by physical manipulation, external stimulus, chemical action or biological action. A resistor inserted in an intake conduit provides a predetermined resistance to flow and thus, a desired intraocular pressure.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

an implantable drainage device having a valve coupled to an intake conduit and an external plate, the valve providing a resistance to fluid flowing through the intake conduit; and

a linear member configured for insertion through the valve thereby reducing the resistance.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the linear member includes a tube adapted to bypass the valve.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the tube includes a flange at a first end.

4. The system of claim 2 wherein the tube includes a plurality of barbs on an exterior surface of the tube.

5. The system of claim 2 wherein the tube includes at least one hole in a wall.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the linear member includes a shape memory material having a first configuration at a first temperature and a second configuration at a second temperature, wherein in the second configuration, the linear member is adapted to bypass the valve.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the linear member includes a rod adapted to bypass the valve.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the rod includes a plurality of barbs on an exterior surface.

9. The system of claim 7 wherein the rod is porous.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the linear member includes at least one of any combination of polyimide, silicone, polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylic, polyurethane, silastic and metal.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein the linear member includes at least one of any combination of a laser light source and a micro-catheter cutter.

12. A method comprising:

inserting a linear member in an intake tube of an implantable drainage device, the intake tube coupled to a valve and an external plate, the valve providing a resistance to fluid flowing through the intake conduit; and

positioning the linear member in a manner to reduce the resistance presented by the valve.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein positioning the linear member includes bypassing the valve.

14. The method of claim 13 further including engaging a plurality of barbs on a surface of the linear member with a lumen of the intake tube.

15. The method of claim 13 further including engaging a flange on the linear member with an orifice of the intake tube.

16. The method of claim 12 wherein positioning the linear member includes:

manipulating a laser light source; and

ablating a portion of the elastic membrane.

17. The method of claim 12 wherein positioning the linear member includes:

manipulating a mechanical cutter; and

removing a portion of the elastic membrane with the cutter.

18. The method of claim 12 further including thermally soaking the linear member at a first predetermined temperature;

and

wherein positioning the linear member includes;

maneuvering the linear member into a position proximate the valve while at a temperature approximately that of the first predetermined temperature; and

changing a shape of the linear member upon exposure to a second predetermined temperature, wherein the first predetermined temperature differs from the second predetermined temperature.