Shunt device and method for treating glaucoma
DC CAFCFirst Claim
1. An aqueous humor shunt device to divert aqueous humor in an eye from the anterior chamber into Schlemm'"'"'s canal, the shunt device comprising a distal portion having at least one terminal aspect sized and shaped to be received within a portion of Schlemm'"'"'s canal and a proximal portion having at least one terminal aspect sized and shaped to be received within the anterior chamber of the eye, wherein device permits fluid communication from the proximal portion in the anterior chamber to the distal portion in Schlemm'"'"'s canal, wherein the proximal portion intersects the distal portion and wherein the distal portion branches in two opposite directions from the intersection with the proximal portion permitting fluid communication in either direction along Schlemm'"'"'s canal with the anterior chamber.
2 Assignments
Litigations
3 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Shunt devices and a method for continuously decompressing elevated intraocular pressure in eyes affected by glaucoma by diverting excess aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm'"'"'s canal where post-operative patency can be maintained with an indwelling shunt device which surgically connects the canal with the anterior chamber. The shunt devices provide uni- or bi-directional flow of aqueous humor into Schlemm'"'"'s canal.
429 Citations
73 Claims
- 1. An aqueous humor shunt device to divert aqueous humor in an eye from the anterior chamber into Schlemm'"'"'s canal, the shunt device comprising a distal portion having at least one terminal aspect sized and shaped to be received within a portion of Schlemm'"'"'s canal and a proximal portion having at least one terminal aspect sized and shaped to be received within the anterior chamber of the eye, wherein device permits fluid communication from the proximal portion in the anterior chamber to the distal portion in Schlemm'"'"'s canal, wherein the proximal portion intersects the distal portion and wherein the distal portion branches in two opposite directions from the intersection with the proximal portion permitting fluid communication in either direction along Schlemm'"'"'s canal with the anterior chamber.
- 24. An aqueous humor shunt device to divert aqueous humor in an eye from the anterior chamber into Schlemm'"'"'s canal, the shunt device comprising a distal portion having at least one terminal aspect sized and shaped to be received within a portion of Schlemm'"'"'s canal and a proximal portion having at least one terminal aspect sized and shaped to be received within the anterior chamber of the eye, wherein device permits fluid communication from the proximal portion in the anterior chamber to the distal portion in Schlemm'"'"'s canal, wherein the shunt device is non-linear prior to insertion.
- 51. An aqueous humor shunt device to divert aqueous humor in an eye from the anterior chamber into Schlemm'"'"'s canal, the shunt device comprising a distal portion having at least one terminal aspect sized and shaped to be received within a portion of Schlemm'"'"'s canal and a proximal portion having at least one terminal aspect sized and shaped to be received within the anterior chamber of the eye, wherein device permits fluid communication from the proximal portion in the anterior chamber to the distal portion in Schlemm'"'"'s canal, wherein the shunt device is constructed of a flexible material and permits bi-directional fluid flow within Schlemm'"'"'s canal when inserted.
Specification