Laser canaliculostomy eye-treatment
US4558698A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 1, 1984 |
| Grant date | Dec 17, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2009/00891
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A laser canaliculostomy eye-treatment method and device for promoting drainage of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber. According to one manner of practicing the invention, blood exiting the Canal of Schlemm is blocked by rim pressure applied externally to the eye to engorge the Canal with blood--thus to shift the Canal's apparent color toward that of blood. With engorgement established, a laser beam is directed in a pulse to create a fluid drainage passage connecting the anterior chamber and the Canal. According to another way of practicing the invention, the two steps just mentioned are preceded by preliminary use of a similar laser beam to create a small "passage-starting" crater in the trabecular meshwork adjacent the Canal at the location where the final passage is intended to lie. A device for facilitating blood engorgement of the Canal of Schlemm includes a Goldman lens receiving portion and a flange which produces pressure on the eye, restricting the flow of blood in the Canal. Means are provided for producing a partial vacuum between the Goldman lens and the eye.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.