310 results about "Aqueous humor" patented technology

An implantable intraocular physiological sensor for measuring intraocular pressure, glucose concentration in the aqueous humor, and other physiological characteristics. The implantable intraocular physiological sensor may be at least partially powered by a fuel cell, such as an electrochemical glucose fuel cell. The implantable intraocular physiological sensor may wirelessly transmit measurements to an external device. In addition, the implantable intraocular physiological sensor may incorporate aqueous drainage and / or drug delivery features.

A trabecular pump is implantable in the eye to reduce intraocular pressure. The pump drains aqueous humor from the anterior chamber into outflow pathways, such as Schlemm's canal. A feedback system includes the intraocular pump and a pressure sensor in communication with the pump, for regulating intraocular pressure.

An ocular implant device that is insertable into either the anterior or posterior chamber of the eye to drain aqueous humor and / or to introduce medications. The implant can include a substantially cylindrical body with a channel member that regulates the flow rate of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber or introduces medications into the posterior chamber, and simultaneously minimizes the ingress of microorganisms into the eye.

Devices and methods are provided for the treatment of glaucoma. An ocular implant is adapted such that aqueous humor flows controllably from the anterior chamber of the eye to Schlemm's canal, bypassing the trabecular meshwork. The implant may utilize one or more bioactive agents effective in treating glaucoma or other pathology.

A glaucoma treatment kit, containing intraocular stents and applicators, is disclosed. The stents are configured to extend between the anterior chamber and Schlemm's canal of the eye, for enhancing outflow of aqueous from the anterior chamber so as to reduce intraocular pressure.

A stent for treating ocular hypertension by providing means for enhancing outflows of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber. An exemplary stent is fabricated of a shape memory polymer (SMP) that can withstand very large reversible inelastic strains for storing energy in a temporary reduced cross-sectional shape. In one embodiment, the stent in a temporary shape is introduced into a targeted tissue volume in and about the eye's aqueous outflow pathways. Following minimally invasive implantation of the stent, body temperature or another stimulus causes the stent to move from its temporary shape to its memory shape thereby releasing stored energy to retract the tissue to open flow pathways or increase tissue permeability. In another embodiment, the SMP stent body has interior flow passageways to provide addition fluid outflow means. In several embodiments, the stent can be of a shape memory alloy material.

Methods and implants for treating glaucoma in an eye are described. The implant includes an inlet section configured to be positioned in the anterior chamber of the eye and an outlet section in fluid communication with the inlet section. The outlet section is configured to be positioned in Schlemm's canal of the eye. The implant comprises a hydrogel and is configured to conduct aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to Schlemm's canal.

A new and improved method and apparatus for treating glaucoma is described herein. A device for directing aqueous humor from an anterior chamber to Schlemm's canal comprises a seton, and may further comprise a pump operatively connected to the seton. The seton conducts aqueous directly from the anterior chamber to Schlemm's canal so that it can drain directly into the aqueous veins leading to the venous circulation. The seton for lowering intraocular pressure of an associated eye comprises a first tube adapted to be inserted into an associated anterior chamber of the eye; and, two wing tubes extending from the first tube. The two wing tubes are adapted to be inserted into Schlemm's canal. The two wing tubes and the first tube form a substantially continuous passageway, such that aqueous humor flows from the anterior chamber into Schlemm's canal through the substantially continuous passageway.

An apparatus is provided for forming a tissue tract (8, 11A, 17A) from within a first passageway of an eye (11, 17) connecting to a second passageway in the eye (12, 16) comprising an elongated tool with a proximal end and distal end. The tool has an outer diameter in the range of about 50 to about 1000 microns. Methods of using the tool are provided for creating a fluid path for aqueous humor of an eye from a first passageway of the eye, such as the Schlemm's Canal, to a second passageway, such as the suprachoroidal space

The invention relates generally to medical devices and methods for ocular imaging and, more particularly, to devices and methods for increasing contrast in an eye in which an imaging contrast agent is introduced into an aqueous humor outflow channel. For example, in one embodiment, the outflow channel may be Schlemm's Canal, or in another embodiment, the outflow channel may be an episcleral vein. Also disclosed are methods for implanting a trabecular stent via an ab extemo procedure with assistance of enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to restore a part or all of the normal physiological function of directing aqueous outflow for maintaining a normal intraocular pressure in an eye.

This invention provides a shunt for implantation between the anterior chamber of the eye and the epithelial-lined space through the frontal sinus bone of a patient for the treatment of glaucoma. The shunt includes a tube having a length sufficient to span the distance between the anterior chamber of the eye and the epithelial-lined space of the patient, the tube having an open anterior chamber end and a closed epithelial-lined space end, and a seal device associated with the tube between the anterior chamber and epithelial-lined space ends, for sealing a hole in the frontal sinus bone, and for anchoring the tube against movement from the frontal sinus bone. The shunt also includes a fluid pressure openable valve in the tube, located at or near the epithelial-lined space sinus end, allowing for controlled flow of aqueous humor through the tube when implanted. The invention also extends to a method of treating glaucoma in a patient by surgically implanting the shunt between the anterior chamber of the eye and the frontal sinus.

Devices and methods are provided for the treatment of ocular disorders. An ocular implant has a body comprising material that includes a therapeutic drug. The body has an inlet portion and an outlet portion. The inlet portion is configured to reside in an anterior chamber of an eye when the outlet portion is disposed in a physiological outflow pathway of the eye. The outlet portion has an outflow opening such that the body drains fluid from the anterior chamber to the physiological outflow pathway. One method of treating an ocular disorder involves introducing an implant comprising a therapeutic drug into the eye such that the implant drains aqueous humor into a physiological outflow pathway and the therapeutic drug reaches eye tissue.

An ophthalmic shunt implantable in an eye having an elongate body and a conduit for conducting aqueous humor from an anterior chamber of the eye to the suprachoroidal space of the eye. The elongate body has a forward end and an insertion head that extends from the forward end. The insertion head defines a shearing edge suitable for cutting eye tissue engage thereby. The forward end and the insertion head of the body define a shoulder surface. The conduit has a first end defined on a portion of a top surface of the insertion head. The conduit also extends through the body from the forward end to a back end thereof. The first end of the conduit is spaced from the shearing edge and, in one example, from the shoulder of the body.

A tube for implantation into the eye for replacement conduction of aqueous humor from the chambers of the eyeball to the subconjunctival tissue and ultimately to the venous system is comprised of an elongated fluid conducting conduit having distal and proximate ends, a sidewall and an interior passageway and at least one longitudinally extending opening in the sidewall that exposes the interior passageway and at least one nidi-forming structure carried by the conduit and extending laterally therefrom to implement the formation of at least one aqueous filtration bleb in the tissue of the eyeball. In one embodiment, the tube also contains at least one releasable ligature circumscribing the conduit. In another embodiment, the tube also contains an anchor appended to the conduit to prevent it from migrating from its placement site.

An ophthalmic shunt implantable in an eye having an elongate body and a conduit for conducting aqueous humor from an anterior chamber of the eye to the suprachoroidal space of the eye. The elongate body has a forward end and an insertion head that extends from the forward end. The insertion head defines a shearing edge suitable for cutting eye tissue engage thereby. The forward end and the insertion head of the body define a shoulder surface. The conduit has a first end defined on a portion of a top surface of the insertion head. The conduit also extends through the body from the forward end to a back end thereof. The first end of the conduit is spaced from the shearing edge and, in one example, from the shoulder of the body.

The disclosure provides an intraocular implant for allowing fluid flow from the anterior chamber of an eye, the implant comprising a tube having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a tube passage, wherein the inlet end is adapted to extend into the anterior chamber of the eye, and wherein the outlet end is adapted to be implanted adjacent scleral tissue of the eye. The implant may be adapted to drain aqueous humor into a suprachoroidal space or a juxta-uveal space. The disclosure also provides associated delivery devices, methods of use, and methods of manufacture.

The present invention provides a shunt for the flow of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye to Schlemm's canal. The device comprises at least one lumen and optionally has at least one anchor extending from the proximal portion within the anterior chamber to assist in placement and anchoring of the device in the correct anatomic position.

A shunt is provided for the flow of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye to Schlemm's canal and to other anatomical spaces of the eye. The shunt comprises at least one lumen and optionally has at least one anchor extending from a proximal portion of the shunt to assist in placement and anchoring of the device in the correct anatomic position.

A new and improved method and apparatus for treating glaucoma is described herein. A device for directing aqueous humor from an anterior chamber to Schlemm's canal comprises a seton, and may further comprise a pump operatively connected to the seton. The seton conducts aqueous directly from the anterior chamber to Schlemm's canal so that it can drain directly into the aqueous veins leading to the venous circulation. The seton for lowering intraocular pressure of an associated eye comprises a first tube adapted to be inserted into an associated anterior chamber of the eye; and, two wing tubes extending from the first tube. The two wing tubes are adapted to be inserted into Schlemm's canal. The two wing tubes and the first tube form a substantially continuous passageway, such that aqueous humor flows from the anterior chamber into Schlemm's canal through the substantially continuous passageway.

The invention provides minimally invasive microsurgical tools and methods to form an aqueous humor shunt or bypass for the treatment of glaucoma. The invention enables surgical creation of a tissue tract (7) within the tissues of the eye to directly connect a source of aqueous humor such as the anterior chamber (1), to an ocular vein (4). The tissue tract (7) from the vein (4) may be connected to any source of aqueous humor, including the anterior chamber (1), an aqueous collector channel, Schlemm's canal (2), or a drainage bleb. Since the aqueous humor passes directly into the venous system, the normal drainage process for aqueous humor is restored. Furthermore, the invention discloses devices and materials that can be implanted in the tissue tract to maintain the tissue space and fluid flow.

An ocular implant device that is insertable into either the anterior or posterior chamber of the eye to drain aqueous humor and / or to introduce medications. The implant can include a substantially cylindrical body with a channel member that regulates the flow rate of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber or introduces medications into the posterior chamber, and simultaneously minimizes the ingress of microorganisms into the eye.

The present invention provides a shunt for the flow of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye to Schlemm's canal. The device comprises at least one lumen and optionally has at least one anchor extending from the proximal portion within the anterior chamber to assist in placement and anchoring of the device in the correct anatomic position.

A non-invasive method for analyzing the blood-brain barrier includes obtaining a Raman spectrum of a selected portion of the eye and monitoring the Raman spectrum to ascertain a change to the dynamics of the blood brain barrier. Also, non-invasive methods for determining the brain or blood level of an analyte of interest, such as glucose, drugs, alcohol, poisons, and the like, comprises: generating an excitation laser beam (e.g., at a wavelength of 600 to 900 nanometers); focusing the excitation laser beam into the anterior chamber of an eye of the subject so that aqueous humor, vitreous humor, or one or more conjunctiva vessels in the eye is illuminated; detecting (preferably confocally detecting) a Raman spectrum from the illuminated portion of the eye; and then determining the blood level or brain level (intracranial or cerebral spinal fluid level) of an analyte of interest for the subject from the Raman spectrum. In certain embodiments, the detecting step may be followed by the step of subtracting a confounding fluorescence spectrum from the Raman spectrum to produce a difference spectrum; and determining the blood level and / or brain level of the analyte of interest for the subject from that difference spectrum, preferably using linear or nonlinear multivariate analysis such as partial least squares analysis. Apparatus for carrying out the foregoing methods are also disclosed.

The invention relates to a method and device for the treatment of glaucoma, though insertion of an implant into the lumen of the Schlemm's canal to realize proper drainage of the aqueous humor, which implant is brought into its position in the Schlemm's canal by means of a catheter having a distal and a proximate portion and provided with a number of pores through which a gaseous or fluid medium which comes from a pressure source can emerge during insertion of the catheter carrying the implant into the Schlemm's canal, and while the catheter is being inserted into the Schlemm's canal the gaseous or fluid medium is released under pressure thereby expanding the Schlemm's canal and the implant and upon releasing the implant at its determined location, the catheter can be withdrawn from the Schlemm's canal.

This invention provides a shunt for implantation between the anterior chamber of the eye and the epithelial-lined space through the frontal sinus bone of a patient for the treatment of glaucoma. The shunt includes a tube having a length sufficient to span the distance between the anterior chamber of the eye and the epithelial-lined space of the patient, the tube having an open anterior chamber end and a closed epithelial-lined space end, and a seal device associated with the tube between the anterior chamber and epithelial-lined space ends, for sealing a hole in the frontal sinus bone, and for anchoring the tube against movement from the frontal sinus bone. The shunt also includes a fluid pressure openable valve in the tube, located at or near the epithelial-lined space sinus end, allowing for controlled flow of aqueous humor through the tube when implanted. The invention also extends to a method of treating glaucoma in a patient by surgically implanting the shunt between the anterior chamber of the eye and the frontal sinus.

An ophthalmic lens comprising a receptor moiety can be used to determine the amount of an analyte in an ocular fluid. The receptor moiety can bind either a specific analyte or a detectably labeled competitor moiety. The amount of detectably labeled competitor moiety which is displaced from the receptor moiety by the analyte is measured and provides a means of determining analyte concentration in an ocular fluid, such as tears, aqueous humor, or interstitial fluid. The concentration of the analyte in the ocular fluid, in turn, indicates the concentration of the analyte in a fluid or tissue sample of the body, such as blood or intracellular fluid.

The invention provides minimally invasive microsurgical tools and methods to form an aqueous humor shunt or bypass for the treatment of glaucoma. The invention enables surgical creation of a tissue tract (7) within the tissues of the eye to directly connect a source of aqueous humor such as the anterior chamber (1), to an ocular vein (4). The tissue tract (7) from the vein (4) may be connected to any source of aqueous humor, including the anterior chamber (1), an aqueous collector channel, Schlemm's canal (2), or a drainage bleb. Since the aqueous humor passes directly into the venous system, the normal drainage process for aqueous humor is restored. Furthermore, the invention discloses devices and materials that can be implanted in the tissue tract to maintain the tissue space and fluid flow.

The invention provides minimally invasive microsurgical tools and methods to form an aqueous humor shunt or bypass for the treatment of glaucoma. The invention enables surgical creation of a tissue tract (7) within the tissues of the eye to directly connect a source of aqueous humor such as the anterior chamber (1), to an ocular vein (4). The tissue tract (7) from the vein (4) may be connected to any source of aqueous humor, including the anterior chamber (1) ), an aqueous collector channel, Schlemm's canal (2), or a drainage bleb. Since the aqueous humor passes directly into the venous system, the normal drainage process for aqueous humor is restored. Furthermore, the invention discloses devices and materials that can be implanted in the tissue tract to maintain the tissue space and fluid flow.

Embodiments include methods, apparatuses, and systems for reducing elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in a patient to either prevent or treat open-angle glaucoma. Heat is applied to the trabecular meshwork in the patient's eye without damaging proteins in the trabecular meshwork. The application of heat to the trabecular meshwork has the effect of relaxing or loosening protein clogs or other inhibitors in the trabecular meshwork, which are either reducing or obstructing of the outflow of aqueous humor, thereby increasing the patient's IOP and causing ocular hypertension (OHT). By loosening or relaxing clogs or other inhibitors in the trabecular meshwork, the outflow path for aqueous humor is increased or restored, which can lower IOP and either prevent or treat glaucoma. Force may also be applied to the patient's eye to apply pressure to the trabecular meshwork to further assist in the loosening or relaxing of clogs or other inhibitors in the trabecular meshwork.