Minimally invasive glaucoma surgical instrument and method

• US 6,979,328 B2
• Filed: 01/18/2002
• Issued: 12/27/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/18/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Regents of the University of California (University of California)
• Original Assignee: Regents of the University of California (University of California)
• Inventors: Chuck, Roy, Baerveldt, George
• Primary Examiner(s): Farah, A.
• Application Number:
  US10/052,473
• Publication Number:
  US 20020111608A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,439 Days
• Field of Search: 606 4- 6, 606/10, 606/32, 606 41- 50, 606/129, 607 96-105, 607/15, 600/373, 600/383, 128849-852
• US Class Current: 606/41
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1477 Needle-like probes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320069 for ablating tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/32007 with suction or vacuum means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320073 probe
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320075 single edge blade, e.g. for cutting
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1425 Needle
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2034/254 being adapted depending on the stage of the surgical procedure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/08021 of the patient or his organs
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2218/002 Irrigation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2218/003 using a spray or a foam
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2218/007 Aspiration
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2009/00844 Feedback systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2009/00868 Ciliary muscles or trabecular meshwork
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2009/00891 Glaucoma
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/00745 using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic
• 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: A61F 9/0079 using non-laser electromagnetic radiation, e.g. non-coherent light or microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/008 using laser
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/00802 for photoablation
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/00825 for photodisruption

Abstract

A surgical instrument and methods for the treatment of glaucoma are provided. The instrument uses either cauterization, a laser to ablate, sonic or ultrasonic energy to emulsify, or mechanical cutting of a portion of the trabecular meshwork. The instrument may also be provided with irrigation, aspiration, and a footplate. The footplate is used to enter Schlemm'"'"'s canal, serves as a guide, and also protects Schlemm'"'"'s canal.

Claims

1. A device for treating glaucoma, said device comprising:

an elongate probe;

a bipolar electrode that is useable to form an opening in the trabecular meshwork such that fluid may drain through said opening into Schlemm'"'"'s canal; and

,

a protector configured to be advanced into Schlemm'"'"'s canal, said protector being configured and positioned in relation to the bipolar electrode such that the protector will substantially protect cells lining the scleral wall of Schlemm'"'"'s canal from being substantially damaged by energy that emanates from the bipolar electrode.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the protector comprises a foot plate.

3. A device according to claim 1 wherein the protector is non-parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongate probe.

4. A device according to claim 1 wherein the elongate probe comprises a proximal portion and distal portion, the distal portion comprising the protector, said distal portion being non-parallel to the proximal portion.

5. A device according to claim 1 wherein the probe is substantially L-shaped, having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion comprises the protector, said distal portion being generally perpendicular to the proximal portion.

6. A device according to claim 1 further comprising at least one lumen extending through at least a portion of the probe, said at least one lumen terminating in at least one port that becomes positioned within the eye during operation of the device.

7. A device according to claim 4 comprising an irrigation lumen that terminates in an irrigation port and an aspiration lumen that terminates in an aspiration port.

8. A system comprising a device according to claim 1 in combination with a power source for delivering power to said bipolar electrode.

9. A system according to claim 8 wherein the bipolar electrode is useable to substantially ablate at least a portion of the trabecular meshwork.

10. A device according to claim 1 wherein the probe comprises a handle configured to be grasped by the human hand.

11. A device according to claim 10 further comprising at least one switch on said handle for at least actuating and deactuating the bipolar electrode.

12. A system comprising a device according to claim 1 further comprising a foot pedal in communication with said device, said foot pedal being usable for at least actuating and deactuating the bipolar electrode.

13. A device according to claim 1 wherein the protector has a tip that is configured to penetrate trabecular meshwork, thereby facilitating advancement of the protector into Schlemm'"'"'s canal.