Methods and apparatus for treating glaucoma
AssigneeIvantis, Inc.
InventorsCharles L. Euteneuer, Thomas R. Hektner, Andrew T. Schieber, John Wardle
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims38
A method of treating glaucoma in an eye of a patient, comprising:
- positioning a first inlet portion of an implant in an anterior chamber of the eye and adjacent to a first opening in a trabecular mesh of the eye;
- positioning a second inlet portion and an intermediate portion of the implant in Schlemm's canal;
- moving a tool inserted into the eye to make a second opening in the trabecular mesh of the eye near the second inlet portion, the second opening spaced apart from the first opening;
- and
- allowing aqueous humor to flow from the anterior chamber into the implant and into Schlemm's canal.
A method of treating glaucoma in an eye of a patient, comprising:
- inserting a cannula into an anterior chamber of the eye so that a distal tip of the cannula is in communication with Schlemm's canal;
- inserting a distal inlet portion of the implant through the cannula into Schlemm's canal;
- advancing the implant distally through the cannula and along Schlemm's canal until only a proximal inlet portion of the implant remains in the cannula;
- removing the cannula from the anterior chamber of the eye leaving the proximal inlet portion of the implant in the anterior chamber of the eye;
- and
- introducing the distal inlet portion of the implant into the anterior chamber of the eye from Schlemm's canal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.