Trans-corneal shunt and method
First Claim
1. A trans-corneal drainage shunt for relieving pressure within the eye in the treatment of glaucoma comprising:
- (a) a thin flat trans-corneal drainage shunt, having no cap or footplate, and having extremely small pores or tunnels formed therein for transporting aqueous fluid from an anterior portion of the eye to tear film on the surface of the eye dimensioned to control the aqueous fluid flow rate while deterring bacteria from entering the eye; and
(b) wherein said thin flat trans-corneal drainage shunt has fixation means for maintaining said shunt in position between said anterior portion of the eye and a surface portion of the eye.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for relieving pressure within the eye in the treatment of glaucoma comprising inserting an extremely thin flat trans-corneal drainage shunt, having no detrimental cap or footplate, within a self-sealing incision made by a keratome knife within the cornea at the limbus, the drainage shunt having extremely small pores formed therein for the controlled transport of aqueous fluid from an anterior portion of the eye to the tear film on the surface of the eye while deterring bacteria from entering the eye, and fixing the position of the trans-corneal shunt in position within the cornea by means of a suture. The shunt can be tapered for preventing an unacceptable degree of intrusion of the shunt into the anterior portion of the eye. The trailing edge portion of the shunt is wide relative to other portions of the shunt, thereby facilitating grasping of the shunt when desired.
36 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A trans-corneal drainage shunt for relieving pressure within the eye in the treatment of glaucoma comprising:
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(a) a thin flat trans-corneal drainage shunt, having no cap or footplate, and having extremely small pores or tunnels formed therein for transporting aqueous fluid from an anterior portion of the eye to tear film on the surface of the eye dimensioned to control the aqueous fluid flow rate while deterring bacteria from entering the eye; and (b) wherein said thin flat trans-corneal drainage shunt has fixation means for maintaining said shunt in position between said anterior portion of the eye and a surface portion of the eye. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A trans-corneal drainage shunt for relieving pressure within the eye in the treatment of glaucoma comprising:
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(a) a thin flat trans-corneal shunt having no cap or footplate; (b) extremely small pores formed within said flat trans-corneal shunt for transporting aqueous fluid from an anterior portion of the eye to tear film on a surface portion of the eye while deterring bacteria from entering the eye; and
wherein(c) said shunt is tapered for preventing an unacceptable degree of intrusion of said shunt into said anterior portion of the eye; and (d) wherein said shunt has fixation means for maintaining said shunt in position between said anterior portion of the eye and the surface of the eye. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for relieving pressure within the eye in the treatment of glaucoma comprising the steps of:
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(a) forming an incision within a cornea portion of the eye; (b) inserting a thin flat trans-corneal drainage shunt, having no cap or footplate, within said incision, said drainage shunt having extremely small pores formed therein for transporting aqueous fluid from an anterior portion of the eye to the tear film on a surface portion of the eye while deterring bacteria from entering the eye; and (c) fixing the position of said thin flat trans-corneal shunt in position within said cornea portion between said anterior portion of the eye and a surface portion of the eye. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification