US5704907A — Method and apparatus for lowering the intraocular…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 43 words

An implant for lowering the intraocular pressure of an eye which comprises a planar cellulosic membrane shaped and adapted to extend from the anterior chamber of the eye through an opening in the limbus cornea to a drainage area beneath a scleral flap.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 43 words

An implant for lowering the intraocular pressure of an eye which comprises a planar cellulosic membrane shaped and adapted to extend from the anterior chamber of the eye through an opening in the limbus cornea to a drainage area beneath a scleral flap.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 23 words

The implant according to claim 1, wherein said cellulosic membrane consists essentially of a homopolymer of glucose units connected in a 1,4'-β linkage.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 25 words

The implant according to claim 1, wherein said implant is of a generally rectangular shape having a proximal end, a distal end, and outer margins.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 44 words

The implant according to claim 3, wherein said margins of said implant toward said proximal end form a foot portion for placement in the anterior chamber of the eye and a body portion opposed to said foot portion for burial beneath the scleral flap.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 41 words

The implant according to claim 4, wherein said implant has a center cut axially extending from said proximal end toward said distal end such that said foot portion can be folded for easy insertion through the opening in the limbus corneae.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 27 words

The implant according to claim 4, wherein two opposing rectangular notches are formed in said margins toward said proximal end so as to form said foot portion.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 17 words

The implant according to claim 4, wherein said implant is of a thickness of approximately 25-150 microns.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 25 words

The implant according to claim 7, wherein the overall length of said implant is approximately 8-10 mm and the overall width is approximately 6 mm.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 138 words

An implant for lowering the intraocular pressure of an eye which comprises a cellulosic membrane consisting essentially of a homopolymer of glucose units connected in a 1,4'-β linkage adapted to extend from the anterior chamber of the eye through an opening in the limbus corneae to a drainage area beneath a scleral flap, said implant being of a planar, generally rectangular shape and having a proximal end, a distal end, and outer margins, said margins toward said proximal end forming a foot portion for placement in the anterior chamber and a body portion opposed to said foot portion for burial beneath the scleral flap, said implant having a center cut axially extending from said proximal end toward said distal end such that said foot portion can be folded for easy insertion through the opening in the limbus corneae.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 138 words

An implant for lowering the intraocular pressure of an eye which comprises a cellulosic membrane consisting essentially of a homopolymer of glucose units connected in a 1,4'-β linkage adapted to extend from the anterior chamber of the eye through an opening in the limbus corneae to a drainage area beneath a scleral flap, said implant being of a planar, generally rectangular shape and having a proximal end, a distal end, and outer margins, said margins toward said proximal end forming a foot portion for placement in the anterior chamber and a body portion opposed to said foot portion for burial beneath the scleral flap, said implant having a center cut axially extending from said proximal end toward said distal end such that said foot portion can be folded for easy insertion through the opening in the limbus corneae.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 17 words

The implant according to claim 9, wherein said implant is of a thickness of approximately 25-150 microns.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 25 words

The implant according to claim 10, wherein the overall length of said implant is approximately 8-10 mm and the overall width is approximately 6 mm.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 27 words

The implant according to claim 9, wherein two opposing rectangular notches are formed in said margins toward said proximal end so as to form said foot portion.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 58 words

The implant according to claim 12, wherein said foot portion has a length of approximately 1 mm and a width of approximately 6 mm, said two opposing rectangular notches measure approximately 1 mm in length and 1.5 mm in width, and said body portion has a length of approximately 8 mm and a width of approximately 6 mm.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 44 words

The implant according to claim 9, wherein said foot portion is provided with at least one curved, resilient arm member radially extending therefrom for abutting the inner surface of the limbus corneae after implantation so as to maintain the post-surgical position of said implant.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 26 words

The implant according to claim 14, wherein said arm member is formed of polypropylene and is glued to said foot portion with a cyanoacrylate surgical adhesive.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 22 words

The implant according to claim 14, wherein said arm member is formed of polymethylacrylate and is polymerized integrally to said foot portion.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 125 words

An implant for lowering the intraocular pressure of an eye which comprises a cellulosic membrane consisting essentially of a homopolymer of glucose units connected in a 1,4'-β linkage adapted to extend from the anterior chamber of the eye through an opening in the limbus corneae to a drainage area beneath a scleral flap, said implant being of a planar, generally rectangular shape and having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end having an integrally formed key projecting therefrom for placement through said opening and into said anterior chamber, said key having at least one curved, resilient arm member radially extending therefrom for abutting the inner surface of the limbus corneae after implantation so as to maintain the post-surgical position of said implant.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 125 words

An implant for lowering the intraocular pressure of an eye which comprises a cellulosic membrane consisting essentially of a homopolymer of glucose units connected in a 1,4'-β linkage adapted to extend from the anterior chamber of the eye through an opening in the limbus corneae to a drainage area beneath a scleral flap, said implant being of a planar, generally rectangular shape and having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end having an integrally formed key projecting therefrom for placement through said opening and into said anterior chamber, said key having at least one curved, resilient arm member radially extending therefrom for abutting the inner surface of the limbus corneae after implantation so as to maintain the post-surgical position of said implant.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 41 words

The implant according to claim 17, wherein said key is center cut to divide said key into a first piece and a second piece such that said key can be folded for easy insertion through the opening in the limbus corneae.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 36 words

The implant according to claim 18, wherein said key has two curved, resilient arm members, a first arm member radially extending from said first piece and a second arm member radially extending from said second piece.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 25 words

The implant according to claim 17, wherein said arm member is formed of polypropylene and is glued to said key with a cyanoacrylate surgical adhesive.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 21 words

The implant according to claim 17, wherein said arm member is formed of polymethylacrylate and is polymerized integrally to said key.

Claim 25

Independent Claim 52 words

A method for lowering the intraocular pressure of an eye, which comprises positioning an implant within the eye such that said implant comprises a pre-formed cellulosic membrane, said membrane extends from the anterior chamber of the eye through an opening in the limbus cornea to a drainage area beneath a scleral flap.

Claim 26

Independent Claim 52 words

A method for lowering the intraocular pressure of an eye, which comprises positioning an implant within the eye such that said implant comprises a pre-formed cellulosic membrane, said membrane extends from the anterior chamber of the eye through an opening in the limbus cornea to a drainage area beneath a scleral flap.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method according to claim 22, wherein said cellulosic membrane consists essentially of a homopolymer of glucose units connected in a 1,4'-β linkage.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 57 words

The method according to claim 23, wherein said implant is of a planar, generally rectangular shape having a proximal end, a distal end, and outer margins, said margins toward said proximal end forming a foot portion for placement in the anterior chamber and a body portion opposed to said foot portion for burial beneath the scleral flap.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 41 words

The method according to claim 24, wherein said implant has a center cut axially extending from said proximal end toward said distal end such that said foot portion can be folded for easy insertion through the opening in the limbus corneae.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method according to claim 24, wherein said implant is of a thickness of approximately 25-150 microns.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method according to claim 24, wherein the overall length of said implant is approximately 8-10 mm and the overall width is approximately 6 mm.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 27 words

The method according to claim 24, wherein two opposing rectangular notches are formed in said margins toward said proximal end so as to form said foot portion.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 58 words

The method according to claim 28, wherein said foot portion has a length of approximately 1 mm and a width of approximately 6 mm, said two opposing rectangular notches measure approximately 1 mm in length and 1.5 mm in width, and said body portion has a length of approximately 8 mm and a width of approximately 6 mm.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 44 words

The method according to claim 24, wherein said foot portion is provided with at least one curved, resilient arm member radially extending therefrom for abutting the inner surface of the limbus corneae after implantation so as to maintain the post-surgical position of said implant.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method according to claim 30, wherein said arm member is formed of polypropylene and is glued to said foot portion with a cyanoacrylate surgical adhesive.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method according to claim 30, wherein said arm member is formed of polymethylacrylate and is polymerized integrally to said foot portion.

Claim 37

Independent Claim 137 words

A method for lowering the intraocular pressure of an eye, which comprises positioning an implant within the eye such that said implant extends from the anterior chamber of the eye through an opening in the limbus corneae to a drainage area beneath a scleral flap, said implant comprising a pre-formed cellulosic membrane consisting essentially of a homopolymer of glucose units connected in a 1,4'-β linkage, said implant being of a planar, generally rectangular shape and having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end having an integrally formed key projecting therefrom for placement through said opening and into said anterior chamber, said key having at least one curved, resilient arm member radially extending therefrom for abutting the inner surface of the limbus corneae after implantation so as to maintain the post-surgical position of said implant.

Claim 38

Independent Claim 137 words

A method for lowering the intraocular pressure of an eye, which comprises positioning an implant within the eye such that said implant extends from the anterior chamber of the eye through an opening in the limbus corneae to a drainage area beneath a scleral flap, said implant comprising a pre-formed cellulosic membrane consisting essentially of a homopolymer of glucose units connected in a 1,4'-β linkage, said implant being of a planar, generally rectangular shape and having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end having an integrally formed key projecting therefrom for placement through said opening and into said anterior chamber, said key having at least one curved, resilient arm member radially extending therefrom for abutting the inner surface of the limbus corneae after implantation so as to maintain the post-surgical position of said implant.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 41 words

The method according to claim 33, wherein said key is center cut to divide said key into a first piece and a second piece such that said key can be folded for easy insertion through the opening in the limbus corneae.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 36 words

The method according to claim 34, wherein said key has two curved, resilient arm members, a first arm member radially extending from said first piece and a second arm member radially extending from said second piece.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method according to claim 33, wherein said arm member is formed of polypropylene and is glued to said key with a cyanoacrylate surgical adhesive.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method according to claim 33, wherein said arm member is formed of polymethylacrylate and is polymerized integrally to said key.

Claim 43

Independent Claim 152 words

A method for lowering the intraocular pressure of an eye, which comprises the steps of: (a) die cutting a cellulosic membrane into a planar, generally rectangular shape to form an implant, said implant having a proximal end, a distal end, and outer margins, said margins toward said proximal end being altered so as to form a foot portion and a body portion; (b) thoroughly rinsing said cellulosic membrane in distilled water; (c) heating said cellulosic membrane to 100° C. for 30 minutes in 2% sodium bicarbonate and 1% ethylenediuminetetraacetic acid; (d) cooling said cellulosic membrane at 4° C. in 2% formaldehyde or balanced saline solution; (e) rinsing said cellulosic membrane in a balanced saline solution; (f) implanting said implant within the eye such that said foot portion extends into the anterior chamber of the eye through an opening in the limbus corneae and said body portion is buried beneath a scleral flap.

Claim 44

Independent Claim 152 words

A method for lowering the intraocular pressure of an eye, which comprises the steps of: (a) die cutting a cellulosic membrane into a planar, generally rectangular shape to form an implant, said implant having a proximal end, a distal end, and outer margins, said margins toward said proximal end being altered so as to form a foot portion and a body portion; (b) thoroughly rinsing said cellulosic membrane in distilled water; (c) heating said cellulosic membrane to 100° C. for 30 minutes in 2% sodium bicarbonate and 1% ethylenediuminetetraacetic acid; (d) cooling said cellulosic membrane at 4° C. in 2% formaldehyde or balanced saline solution; (e) rinsing said cellulosic membrane in a balanced saline solution; (f) implanting said implant within the eye such that said foot portion extends into the anterior chamber of the eye through an opening in the limbus corneae and said body portion is buried beneath a scleral flap.

Claim 45

Independent Claim 168 words

A method for lowering the intraocular pressure of an eye, which comprises the steps of: (a) making an 8 mm cord length conjunctival incision 8-10 mm posterior to the surgical limbus of the eye in the desired quadrant; (b) forming a conjunctival flap by dissecting the conjunctiva from Tenon's capsule; (c) forming a scleral flap by cauterizing an area of the sclera to define the perimeter of said scleral flap, outlining the margins of said scleral flap with partial thickness incisions, and dissecting, starting posteriorly, the outlined sclera to obtain said scleral flap; (e) positioning an implant within the eye such that said implant extends from the anterior chamber of the eye through the opening in the limbus corneae to a drainage area beneath said scleral flap, said implant comprising a pre-formed cellulosic membrane consisting essentially of a homopolymer of glucose units connected in a 1,4'-β linkage; (f) suturing said scleral flap and said implant to the sclera; and (g) closing the conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule with sutures.

Claim 46

Independent Claim 168 words

A method for lowering the intraocular pressure of an eye, which comprises the steps of: (a) making an 8 mm cord length conjunctival incision 8-10 mm posterior to the surgical limbus of the eye in the desired quadrant; (b) forming a conjunctival flap by dissecting the conjunctiva from Tenon's capsule; (c) forming a scleral flap by cauterizing an area of the sclera to define the perimeter of said scleral flap, outlining the margins of said scleral flap with partial thickness incisions, and dissecting, starting posteriorly, the outlined sclera to obtain said scleral flap; (e) positioning an implant within the eye such that said implant extends from the anterior chamber of the eye through the opening in the limbus corneae to a drainage area beneath said scleral flap, said implant comprising a pre-formed cellulosic membrane consisting essentially of a homopolymer of glucose units connected in a 1,4'-β linkage; (f) suturing said scleral flap and said implant to the sclera; and (g) closing the conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule with sutures.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2001-01-05	2001-07-07	2002-01-06	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2005-01-05	2005-07-07	2006-01-06	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2009-01-05	2009-07-07	2010-01-06	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Method and apparatus for lowering the intraocular pressure of an eye

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