Shunt for the treatment of glaucoma
A system is provided for reducing intraocular pressure, the system having: an implantable shunt, the implantable shunt with a planar member, at least one microchannel disposed within that planar member, and a laser whereby at least one fenestration may be introduced into the microchannel.
1 . A system for reducing intraocular pressure, the system comprising:
an implantable shunt, said implantable shunt comprising;
a substantially planar member;
at least one microchannel disposed within said planar member;
a laser whereby at least one fenestration may be introduced in to said microchannel.
2 . The system according to claim 1 further comprising a closed cavity containing a pharmaceutical agent.
3 . The system according to claim 2 wherein said cavity is smaller than 1 mm in diameter.
4 . The system according to claim 1 wherein said laser has a wavelength between about approximately 750 nm and about approximately 800 nm.
5 . The system according to claim 1 wherein a pharmaceutical agent is applied to said implantable shunt.
6 . The system according to claim 1 further comprising pre implantation configured inlet and outlet apertures.
7 . The system according to claim 1 wherein said laser is a titanium sapphire laser.
8 . The system according to claim 1 wherein the said laser is configured to close said fenestrations when applied by a user to the edge of said fenestration.
9 . A method for decreasing ocular hypertension, said method comprising:
Implanting a microchannel shunt having at least one microchannel; and
Adjusting the flow of aqueous fluid through said shunt using a laser light beam having a wavelength of between about approximately 750 and about approximately 800 nm.
10 . The method according to claim 9 wherein said shunt comprises a pharmaceutical agent.
11 . The method according to claim 10 wherein said agent is selected from the group of agents consisting of beta blockers, alpha-2 antagonists, and prostaglandin analogues.
12 . The method according to claim 10 further comprising exposing said agent to the aqueous fluid by laser manipulation of said shunt.
13 . The method according to claim 9 wherein said step of adjusting the flow of aqueous fluid through the shunt comprises introducing at least one fenestration communicating with said microchannel.
14 . The method according to claim 9 wherein said step of adjusting the flow of aqueous fluid through the shunt comprises gradually closing a fenestration in said microchannel.
15 . An apparatus for the treatment of ocular hypertension, said apparatus comprising:
A microchannel shunt, said shunt having a microchannel, and being configured to receive a laser pulse having a wavelength of between 750 and 800 nm;
fenestrations disposed within said microchannel, said fenestrations being configured to be opened and closed by operation of said laser.
16 . The apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said shunt contains a pharmaceutical agent.
17 . The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said agent is selected from the group of agents consisting of beta blockers, alpha-2 antagonists, and prostaglandin analogues.
18 . The apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said shunt is longer than 4 mm.
19 . The apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said shunt is between about approximately 5 mm and about approximately 10 mm in length.
20 . The apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said cavities disposed within said shunt contain pharmaceutical agents.
21 . The apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said shunt comprises a single partially obstructed microchannel having structural supports disposed within the microchannel.