Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A device and method to regulate intraocular pressure. An interior tube, with one terminus attached to a reservoir and the other terminus left open, is encased along its length by an expandable exterior tube with closed ends. The interior tube wall is flexible such that external pressure reduces the diameter of the interior tube. The device is implanted in an eye with the tubes positioned under the conjunctiva, the open terminus of the interior tube in fluid communication with the anterior chamber of the eye, and the reservoir attached to the eye. The exterior tube can be accessed for filling with fluid. The filled exterior tube exerts pressure on the interior tube wall and reduces the diameter of the interior tube, which in turn reduces or restricts outflow of aqueous fluid from the anterior chamber. The filled exterior tube also substantially occupies the incision site and physically prevents leakage of aqueous fluid.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim