Infusion cannula
First Claim
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1. An implantable infusion cannula for infusing fluids into an eye, comprising a tube having first and second ends and having a flexible portion therebetween capable of conforming to the curvature of the eye;
- check valve means positioned between the first and second ends for allowing fulid flow only toward the first end;
means adjacent to the first end for securing the tube to an eye wall; and
means at said second end for attaching the cannula to a fluid source.
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Abstract
The disclosure relates to an infusion cannula for infusing fluids into various cavities of the eye. The cannula comprises a tube having first and second ends and a check valve therebetween for allowing fluid flow only toward the first end. The first end of the cannula secured within the eye and the second end of the cannula is attached to a fluid source.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. An implantable infusion cannula for infusing fluids into an eye, comprising a tube having first and second ends and having a flexible portion therebetween capable of conforming to the curvature of the eye;
- check valve means positioned between the first and second ends for allowing fulid flow only toward the first end;
means adjacent to the first end for securing the tube to an eye wall; and
means at said second end for attaching the cannula to a fluid source. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
- check valve means positioned between the first and second ends for allowing fulid flow only toward the first end;
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6. An implantable infusion cannula for infusing fluids into an eye, comprising a tube having first and second ends and having a flexible portion therebetween capable of conforming to the curvature of the eye;
- check valve means disposed within the tube between the first and second ends, compressible reservoir means interposed between said check valve means and the second end for receiving infusion fluid;
means adjacent to the first end for securing the tube to an eye wall, said means including a flange extending radially outwardly of the tube adjacent its first end, the flange being attachable to the eye wall; and
means at said second end for attaching the cannula to a fluid source. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
- check valve means disposed within the tube between the first and second ends, compressible reservoir means interposed between said check valve means and the second end for receiving infusion fluid;
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9. A method of infusing fluid into an eye comprising the steps of:
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providing an implantable infusion cannula having first and second ends and a flexible portion therebetween capable of conforming to the curvature of the eye and a check valve disposed within the tube between the first and second ends to allow fluid flow only toward the first end; surgically inserting the first end of the cannula into the eye; securing the cannula to an eye wall; attaching an infusion fluid source to the second end of the cannula; periodically infusing fluid into the eye; and detaching the fluid source from the second end of the cannula, whereby the check valve will prevent reflux of fluid through the cannula. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification