Minimally invasive glaucoma surgical instrument and method
DCFirst Claim
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1. A device useable to create an opening in the trabecular meshwork of the eye comprising:
- an elongate surgical instrument comprising a probe shaft having a distal end and a longitudinal axis; and
a foot member which comprises a platform on the distal end of the probe shaft, said platform having a tip, an upper side, a lower side and being set at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the probe shaft;
wherein the foot member is insertable, tip first, from a position within the anterior chamber, through the trabecular meshwork, and into Schlemm'"'"'s Canal such that the lower side is next to the scleral wall of Schlemm'"'"'s Canal and the upper side is next to the trabecular meshwork; and
wherein, after being so inserted in Schlemm'"'"'s Canal, the foot member is then advancable, tip first, through Schlemm'"'"'s Canal to facilitate performance of a surgical procedure using the surgical instrument.
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Abstract
Apparatuses 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.
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11 Claims
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1. A device useable to create an opening in the trabecular meshwork of the eye comprising:
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an elongate surgical instrument comprising a probe shaft having a distal end and a longitudinal axis; and a foot member which comprises a platform on the distal end of the probe shaft, said platform having a tip, an upper side, a lower side and being set at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the probe shaft; wherein the foot member is insertable, tip first, from a position within the anterior chamber, through the trabecular meshwork, and into Schlemm'"'"'s Canal such that the lower side is next to the scleral wall of Schlemm'"'"'s Canal and the upper side is next to the trabecular meshwork; and wherein, after being so inserted in Schlemm'"'"'s Canal, the foot member is then advancable, tip first, through Schlemm'"'"'s Canal to facilitate performance of a surgical procedure using the surgical instrument. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification