Shunt device and method for treating ocular disorders
Shunt devices and a method for continuously decompressing elevated intraocular pressure in eyes affected by glaucoma by diverting excess aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm's canal where post-operative patency can be maintained with an indwelling shunt device which surgically connects the canal with the anterior chamber. The shunt devices provide uni- or bi-directional flow of aqueous humor into Schlemm's canal.
1. An implant of biocompatible material for treating glaucoma, comprising:
a body having a flow passage which conducts fluid from an anterior chamber of an eye to Schlemm's canal of the eye;
said body being configured so as to have an axis extending away from the canal when implanted;
said body having at least first and second surface portions within Schlemm's canal that extend transversely to said axis on opposite sides of the axis.
2. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the surface portions are disposed on the implant so as to contact a trabecular meshwork of the eye when implanted.
3. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the surface portions are disposed on the implant so as to contact scleral tissue.
4. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the axis further comprises a terminal aspect angulated to face away from the iris.
5. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the body further comprises a valve.
6. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the implant generally has a T shape.
7. The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the implant is comprised of a solid material.
8. The implant of claim 7 , wherein the solid material is porous.
9. The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the implant comprises a mesh material.
10. The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the implant is fenestrated.
11. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the body is configured so that the axis extends substantially perpendicular to the canal when implanted.
12. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the body defines at least one fluid directing channel.
13. The implant of claim 12 , wherein the channel includes an opening disposed adjacent a surface of the canal when implanted.
14. The implant of claim 13 , wherein the opening is disposed adjacent scleral tissue when implanted.
15. The implant of claim 12 , wherein the channel has a maximum width in the range from about 0.2 mm to about 0.5 mm.
16. The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the implant is comprised of a flexible material.
17. The implant of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the body is curved.
18. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a plurality of outlets.
19. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a plurality of open areas.
20. The implant of claim 12 , wherein the length of the fluid directing channel is about 1 mm to about 3 mm.