Minimally invasive glaucoma surgical instrument and method

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods for the treatment of glaucoma are provided. The instrument uses either cauterization, a laser to ablate, sonic or ultrasonic energy to emulsify, or mechanical cutting of a portion of the trabecular meshwork. The instrument may also be provided with irrigation, aspiration, and a footplate. The footplate is used to enter Schlemm's canal, serves as a guide, and also protects Schlemm's canal.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for treating glaucoma in an eye of a subject, comprising:
 an elongate probe comprising an elongate shaft having a distal end;   a foot plate extending at an angle from the distal end of the elongate shaft, the foot plate having an upper side and lower side; and   a cutting or ablating apparatus adjacent to the upper side of the foot plate, the cutting or ablating apparatus being configured to cut or ablate trabecular meshwork.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the foot plate has a tip that is configured to penetrate the trabecular meshwork into Schlemm's canal side. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the foot plate is configured to protect endothelial cells and collector channels lining a scleral wall of Schlemm's canal. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an infusion opening. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an aspiration opening. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an infusion opening and an aspiration opening. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the cutting or ablating apparatus comprises an electrode, a radiofrequency electrode, a guillotine cutting machine, a cutting blade, a laser probe, and a piezo-electric crystal producing sonic or ultrasonic energy.