Implantable ocular microapparatus to ameliorate glaucoma or an ocular overpressure causing disease
US8206440B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jun 26, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 29, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F9/00781
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A microapparatus (11) implantable in the eye (13) includes a cuasi-bistable microvalve (21) commanded by an intraocular pressure sensor (23) in situ. The microvalve mechanism includes a diaphragm (27) made of a conjugated polymer (29) that shows high deformation and biocompatibility capabilities and which volume depends from the electric potential applied by its pair of electrodes (31). The sensor and actuator-valve are coupled to a drainage conduit (15), the first to deform by the pressure in the ocular globe and the second in a position of buckling to normally close the drainage conduit. The sensor has a membrane of conductive polymeric material with these same properties and whose ohmic resistance varies with the mechanical deformation produced by the ocular pressure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.