Flow regulating implants and methods of implanting
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of implanting an intraocular implant at an implantation site comprising the steps of:
- (a) using an intraocular implant having an inlet end and an outlet end, the intraocular implant comprising;
(i) an elongated portion comprising a first elongated part and a second elongated part, wherein the first elongated part is separated from the second elongated part to leave a space between the first elongated part and the second elongated part for enabling fluid flow; and
(ii) a flange attached to at least the first elongated part, the flange being located at the outlet end of the intraocular implant;
(b) adjusting the spacing between the first elongated part and the second elongated part; and
(c) inserting the intraocular implant through scleral tissue at the implantation site such that the inlet end of the intraocular implant is located within the anterior chamber of the eye, thereby permitting aqueous humor to flow out of the anterior chamber.
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Abstract
A flow regulating implant is provided with one or more grooves for allowing fluid flow. One or more grooves may have a constant or varying cross-section along its length. One or more grooves may have in it biodegradable material, absorbable material, and/or threads or sutures. A resilient band or coating may be placed around the implant or one or more grooves, to act as a pressure regulator. The implant may have a side projection, such as a side pin, for engaging tissue. The implant may comprise two or more parts that are held at a distance from each other to allow fluid flow between the parts.
180 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method of implanting an intraocular implant at an implantation site comprising the steps of:
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(a) using an intraocular implant having an inlet end and an outlet end, the intraocular implant comprising; (i) an elongated portion comprising a first elongated part and a second elongated part, wherein the first elongated part is separated from the second elongated part to leave a space between the first elongated part and the second elongated part for enabling fluid flow; and (ii) a flange attached to at least the first elongated part, the flange being located at the outlet end of the intraocular implant; (b) adjusting the spacing between the first elongated part and the second elongated part; and (c) inserting the intraocular implant through scleral tissue at the implantation site such that the inlet end of the intraocular implant is located within the anterior chamber of the eye, thereby permitting aqueous humor to flow out of the anterior chamber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A method of implanting an intraocular implant at an implantation site comprising the steps of:
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(a) using an intraocular implant having an inlet end and an outlet end, the intraocular implant comprising; (i) a shaft, wherein the shaft has one or more grooves in the side of the shaft for enabling fluid flow; and (ii) a flange located at the outlet end of the intraocular implant; (b) adjusting the spacing between a first elongated part and a second elongated part of the intraocular implant; and (c) inserting the intraocular implant through scleral tissue at the implantation site such that the inlet end of the intraocular implant is located within the anterior chamber of the eye, and such that aqueous humor flows out of the anterior chamber and along the one or more grooves toward the outlet end of the implant. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of implanting an intraocular implant at an implantation site comprising the steps of:
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(a) using an intraocular implant having an inlet end and an outlet end, the intraocular implant comprising; (i) a shaft, wherein the shaft has one or more grooves located on the external surface of the shaft and extending from the inlet end to the outlet end for enabling fluid flow; and (ii) a flange located at the outlet end of the intraocular implant; (b) adjusting the spacing between a first elongated part and a second elongated part of the intraocular implant; and (c) inserting the intraocular implant through scleral tissue at the implantation site such that the inlet end of the intraocular implant is located within the anterior chamber of the eye, thereby permitting aqueous humor to flow out of the anterior chamber.
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Specification