Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for inserting a glaucoma implant in an anterior and posterior segment of the eye

US6050970A · kind A · utility

375Cited by
31References
21Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 8, 1997
Grant dateApr 18, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 8, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61F9/00781
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method of treating glaucoma in an eye utilizing an implant is disclosed. The implant comprises an elastomeric plate having first and second surfaces and an non-valved elastomeric drainage tube. The plate is positioned over a sclera of said eye beneath Tenon's capsule, such that a portion of the plate extends into the anterior segment of the eye. The first end of said elastomeric drainage tube is open to said second surface of said plate. The second end of said drainage tube is tunneled through the sclera and cornea and inserted into the anterior chamber of said eye. Fluid communication is provided between said anterior chamber and a scar tissue bleb which forms around said implant. Preferably, a portion of the scar tissue bleb extends into the anterior segment of the eye and a portion of the scar tissue bleb extends into the posterior segment of the eye.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.