Methods and apparatus for treating glaucoma
AssigneeAlcon Inc.
InventorsCharles L. Euteneuer, Thomas R. Hektner, Andrew T. Schieber, John Wardle
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Abstract
An ocular implant for treating glaucoma is provided, which may include any number of features. More particularly, the present invention relates to implants that facilitate the transfer of fluid from within one area of the eye to another area of the eye. One feature of the implant is that it includes a proximal inlet portion and a distal inlet portion adapted to be inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye, and an intermediate portion adapted to be inserted into Schlemm's canal. Another feature of the implant is that it can be biased to assume a predetermined shape to aid in placement within the eye.
Claims11
An implant adapted to be disposed within Schlemm's canal in a human subject's eye, the implant comprising:
- first and second spines;
- a first frame proximal to the first spine, a second frame extending between the first and second spines, and a third frame distal to the second spine, each of the first, second and third frames comprising first and second struts;
- a first opening extending through the first, second and third frames between first edges of the first and second struts of each frame;
- and
- an elongate channel defined by an inner surface of the ocular implant, the elongate channel being in fluid communication with the first opening;
- wherein a distal portion of the implant has a shape identical to a shape of a proximal portion of the implant.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.