Intraocular shunts for placement in the intra-tenon's space

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to intraocular shunts, and in particular, to intraocular shunts configured to form a drainage pathway between the anterior chamber and the intra-Tenon's space.

1 . An intraocular shunt defining a hollow body comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein the shunt is configured to form a passage from the anterior chamber of the eye to the intra-Tenon's space. 
     
     
         2 . The intraocular shunt of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the body further comprises a feature selected from: a flexible material, at least one opening along the length of the body, a variable inner diameter, an elasticity modulus that is compatible with the elasticity modulus of tissue surrounding the shunt, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The intraocular shunt of  claim 2 , wherein the feature is an opening that is either a port or a slit. 
     
     
         4 . The intraocular shunt of  claim 3 , wherein the opening is located at a proximal portion of the body, a distal portion of the body, or both. 
     
     
         5 . The intraocular shunt of  claim 4 , wherein the proximal portion of the body comprises more than one opening and the distal portion of the body comprises a single opening. 
     
     
         6 . The intraocular shunt of  claim 4 , wherein the proximal portion of the body comprises a single opening, and the distal portion of the body comprises more than one opening. 
     
     
         7 . The intraocular shunt of  claim 4 , wherein the proximal and distal portions of the body comprise more than one opening. 
     
     
         8 . The intraocular shunt of any of  claims 5 - 7 , wherein the opening is a port, and at least one of the ports has an inner diameter that is different from the inner diameters of the other ports. 
     
     
         9 . The intraocular shunt of  claim 4 , wherein the opening is a slit located in proximity to the inlet. 
     
     
         10 . The intraocular shunt of  claim 9 , wherein the slit has a width that is substantially the same or less than an inner diameter of the inlet. 
     
     
         11 . The intraocular shunt of  claim 4 , wherein the opening is a slit located in proximity to the outlet. 
     
     
         12 . The intraocular shunt of  claim 11 , wherein slit has a width that is substantially the same or less than an inner diameter of the outlet. 
     
     
         13 . The shunt according to  claim 12 , wherein the slit does not direct the fluid unless the outlet is obstructed. 
     
     
         14 . The shunt according to  claim 4 , wherein the opening is a slit located at both the inlet and the outlet. 
     
     
         15 . The intraocular shunt of  claim 2 , wherein the feature is a variable inner diameter, wherein the inner diameter continuously increases along the length of the body length from the inlet to the outlet. 
     
     
         16 . The intraocular shunt of  claim 2 , wherein the feature is a variable inner diameter, wherein the inner diameter remains constant along portions of the length of the body. 
     
     
         17 . The intraocular shunt of  claim 2 , wherein the entire length of the body comprises a flexible material. 
     
     
         18 . The intraocular shunt of  claim 2 , wherein the portion of the body that is comprised of the flexible material is a distal portion of the body. 
     
     
         19 . The intraocular shunt of  claim 2 , wherein the portion of the body that is comprised of the flexible material is a middle portion of the body.