Method and apparatus to improve the outflow of the aqueous humor of an eye

Abstract

Abstract The support element (35) is for holding an expanded lumen of Schlemm's canal in a permanently expanded position, after Schlemm's canal is exposed in at least one place and expanded by an injected medium, such as hydrophilic liquid. The injection apparatus comprises a support element comprising an elongated member (36) that is axially and permanently orientable in Schlemm's canal. The elongated member comprises an interior (36') and a number of outflow openings (38,38') circumferentially and longitudinally distributed at intervals which connect with the interior. The elongated member comprises a hollow cylindrical element essentially in the shape of a torus shaped collar (37), wherein the element is flexible for automatic adaptation to the lumen of Schlemm's canal in a direction of a theoretical longitudinal axis. The elongated member being constructed and arranged to permit aqueous humor to permanently drain from Schlemm's canal through natural outflow pathways of the eye.

Inventors

• 👤 Hans R. Grieshaber
• 👤 Robert Prof. Stegmann M.D.

Bibliographic Details