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US 6,979,328 B2Granted
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgical instrument and method
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsGeorge Baerveldt, Roy Chuck
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Abstract
A surgical instrument and methods for the treatment of glaucoma are provided. The instrument uses either cauterization, a laser to ablate, sonic or ultrasonic energy to emulsify, or mechanical cutting of a portion of the trabecular meshwork. The instrument may also be provided with irrigation, aspiration, and a footplate. The footplate is used to enter Schlemm's canal, serves as a guide, and also protects Schlemm's canal.
Claims13
A device for treating glaucoma, said device comprising:
- an elongate probe;
- a bipolar electrode that is useable to form an opening in the trabecular meshwork such that fluid may drain through said opening into Schlemm's canal;
- and,
- a protector configured to be advanced into Schlemm's canal, said protector being configured and positioned in relation to the bipolar electrode such that the protector will substantially protect cells lining the scleral wall of Schlemm's canal from being substantially damaged by energy that emanates from the bipolar electrode.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.