METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF GLAUCOMA

摘要

2071947 9108784 PCTABS00005 A method of permanently surgically treating glaucoma is disclosed together with an apparatus for effecting such treatment. In accordance with the method, an implant (21) is disposed at a filtration site (14) through the sclera (18), the implant including a through going aperture (36) leading from the anterior chamber to a bleb (10) formed in the conjunctiva (11). The implant is retained in the sclera by radially compressing the same during the insertion procedure and thereafter releasing the radial compressive forces whereby the implant expands and is prevented from dislocation. An apparatus for effecting the implant is likewise disclosed, the apparatus including a cannula (17) having a bore (26) constraining the insert, a plunger (28) for shifting the insert through an angularly offset opening (22) in the cannula and a retainer filament (34) engaged in the passage in the insert for controlling the precise location of the insert during the implant and for releasing the insert from connection to the cannula when the precise position is achieved.