METHODS FOR INTRAOCULAR SHUNT PLACEMENT

摘要

Intraocular pressure can be reduced by insertion of an intraocular shunt in the eye such that it forms a drainage pathway between the anterior chamber and a region of lower pressure. A hollow shaft that holds an intraocular shunt can be advanced through the anterior chamber. The sclera can be penetrated with the hollow shaft. A beveled tip of the shaft can be oriented such that a beveled surface thereof faces toward the Tenon's capsule when the beveled tip passes out of the sclera. After the beveled tip passes out of the sclera, at least a portion of the shunt can be advanced from the hollow shaft.

主权项

1. A method of delivering an intraocular shunt into an eye having an anterior chamber, a sclera, and a Tenon's capsule, the method comprising the steps of:
advancing a hollow shaft through the anterior chamber, the hollow shaft (a) having a beveled tip at a distal end of the hollow shaft and (b) holding the intraocular shunt with a proximal end of the shunt within the hollow shaft and a distal end of the shunt positioned closer to the distal end of the hollow shaft than is the proximal end of the shunt, the shunt comprising a pharmaceutical or biological agent deliverable to the eye; penetrating the sclera with the hollow shaft; orienting a beveled surface of the beveled tip such that the beveled surface faces toward the Tenon's capsule the beveled tip passes out of the sclera; after the beveled tip passes out of the sclera, advancing at least a portion of the shunt from the hollow shaft; and positioning the proximal end of the shunt in the anterior chamber; wherein the shunt comprises a pharmaceutical or biological agent deliverable to the eye after release of the shunt into the eye.