Sclerostomy method and apparatus
US5360425A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 5, 1993 |
| Grant date | Nov 1, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 5, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2009/00891
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fistula is created in the sclera of a glaucoma patient by creating a passageway through the conjunctiva into the subconjunctival space of the patient. The passageway may be realized by an incision but is preferably realized as the inner lumen of a needle or sheath. One option for creating such an incision is to use an optical fiber shaped like a needle to create the incision. The passageway enables an optical fiber to pass into the subconjunctival space. Liquid is then infused into the subconjunctival space to raise the conjunctiva slightly to heighten maneuverability of the optical fiber within the subconjunctival space. The optical fiber is then positioned near a target sight on the sclera of the patient's eye. Laser radiation is transmitted down the optical fiber to create a fistula.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.