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Method and apparatus for controlling intraocular pressure

  • US 6,168,575 B1
  • Filed: 01/29/1998
  • Issued: 01/02/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/29/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of controlling glaucoma by implanting a miniature pumping device for draining aqueous humor out of the anterior chamber of the eye, wherein the device comprises a pumping means having a main body portion with an interiorly disposed flowpath, a control means fluidly isolated from the flowpath, an intake conduit connected within the main body portion at a connected end and fluidly coupled to said flowpath, said intake conduit having an intake end opposite said connected end, said intake end of the intake conduit positioned within the anterior chamber, and a discharge conduit connected within said main body portion at a connected end and fluidly coupled to said flowpath, said discharge conduit having an output end opposite said connected end, said output end of the discharge conduit positioned in the subconjunctival space, said method comprising the steps of:

  • implanting a miniature pump in or proximate the anterior chamber of the eye, in the subconjunctival space of the eye and securing it to the sclera of the eye, sensing the occular pressure of the eye, varying the pumping rate of said pumping means from 0 to about 10 microliters per minute in response to the sensed occular pressure.

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