INSERTION TOOL AND PACKAGING FOR OCULAR IMPLANT AND METHOD FOR USING SAME

摘要

An insertion tool and method for implanting an ophthalmic shunt 10 having a foot 16, a head (12), and a body (20) connecting the foot (16) and head (12). The insertion tool (100) has a first arm (102) having a proximal end (104) and a distal end (106), and a second arm (108) having a proximal end (110) and a distal end (112). The second arm (108) is movable with respect to the first arm (102) between an open position and a closed position. A means (106,120, 112, 118) to grip a shunt (10) is disposed on the distal ends (106, 112) of the first and second arms (102, 108). In use, the insertion tool (100) is employed to selectively grip the shunt (10) for placement in the tissue of the eye and, as desired, to orient the shunt (10) after placement. Also provided is packaging (1500, 1526, 1534) for holding such an ophthalmic shunt (10), the packaging (1500, 1526, 1534) having an elastomeric membrane (1508, 1536, 1540, 1550) with an aperture (1510, 1530) for receiving the shunt (10) in the packaging (1500, 1526, 1534).