Adjustable flow glaucoma shunts and methods for making and using same
US12329682B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 17, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jun 17, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 17, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16K2099/0088
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Adjustable flow glaucoma shunts are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, a variable flow shunt for treatment of glaucoma in a human patient includes an elongated outflow tube having (a) a proximal inflow portion configured for placement within an anterior chamber in a region outside of an optical field of view of an eye of the patient, and (b) a distal outflow portion at a different location of the eye. The variable flow shunt further includes a flow control mechanism positioned along the outflow tube between the inflow portion and the outflow portion. The flow control mechanism comprises one or more control elements transformable between an open position that allows fluid to flow through the outflow tube and resistance positions that partially obstruct or attenuate fluid flow through the outflow tube. During operation, the control element(s) are movable between positions in response to non-invasive energy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.