Pressure relieving device and process for implanting

Abstract

This invention involves a porous device for implantation in the scleral tissue of the eye to relieve the intraocular pressure of glaucoma and a method for surgically implanting the device.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A device for relieving intraocular pressure comprises a body portion .Iadd.and wall portions in the form of a hexahedron; at least the body portion .Iaddend.composed of a biocompatible porous material; said device adapted to be implanted within the scleral tissue of the eye with at least one edge of the device at an opening of, with no substantial extension into, the anterior chamber and adjacent to the area where the sclera makes the transition into clear cornea of the eye; the pores of the body portion are of such size and quantity as to permit drainage of fluid from the anterior chamber to the scleral tissue without collapse of the anterior chamber. 
     
     
       2. A device as in claim 1 wherein .[.one face of the hexahedron is.]. .Iadd.said body portion has a first surface, said first surface of said body portion being .Iaddend.sloped to overlie the opening into the anterior chamber to direct fluid from the anterior chamber into the body portion of the device. 
     
     
       3. A device as in claim 1 wherein .[.at least one edge of one wall portion of the device.]. at least one edge of .[.one wall portion.]. .Iadd.the top surface .Iaddend.of the device is extended for anchoring the device in position. 
     
     
       4. A device as in claim 1 wherein the .Iadd.three .Iaddend.edges of .[.three wall portions of.]. the .Iadd.top surface of the .Iaddend.device, other than .[.an.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.edge at the opening of the anterior chamber, are extended for anchoring the device in position. 
     
     
       5. A device as in claim 1 wherein a thin flange extends from four sides of the base of the device, the flange at the posterior side of the device being raised and held in position by extensions of the vertical walls of said device .[.four sides of the base of device, the flange at the posterior side of the device being raised and held in position by extensions of the vertical walls of said device..]. 
     
     
       6. A method for reducing intraocular pressure comprising the steps of: creating a scleral flap by making an incision in the sclera substantially adjacent to the limbus of the eye;   excising a block of sclera by making a second incision into the sclera underneath the previously produced scleral flap but extending into the cornea and entering the anterior chamber at substantially the area where sclera becomes cornea to provide a pocket in the sclera and a shelf in the cornea .[.and to provide a window providing direct fluid contact with the anterior chamber of the eye.].;   .[.providing a device for relieving intraocular pressure, said device comprising a body portion composed of a biocompatible porous material, said body portion comprising a first end portion and a second end portion, said body portion defining pores therethrough, said pores being of such size and quantity as to permit drainage of fluid from the anterior chamber to the scleral tissue without collapse of the anterior chamber.].; and   placing .[.said device for relieving intraocular pressure.]. .Iadd.the hexahedrally shaped device of claim 1 .Iaddend.in said pocket of the sclera .[.whereby said first end.]. .Iadd.with the anterior portion of said device .[.is.]. positioned in said shelf of the cornea .[.such that said first end portion is adjacent said window and is in direct fluid contact with the anterior chamber without extending substantially into the anterior chamber and whereby said second end portion is.]. .Iadd.with the remaining portions of the device .Iaddend.positioned within the sclera. .Iadd.   
     
     
       7.  A device for relieving intraocular pressure comprising a body portion constructed of a biocompatible material having flow passages therein; said flow passages selected from the group consisting of pores, openings, channels and spaces between fibers in a meshwork of fibers; said device having a substantially uniform cross-section adapted to be fitted within the scleral tissue of the eye at an area adjacent an opening of, with no substantial extension into, the anterior chamber of the eye at a first position adjacent to the area of the eye where the sclera makes the transition into clear cornea of the eye; and extending to a second position within the scleral tissue of the eye, the distance between said first and second positions defining the length of the body portion through which fluid can flow, said length being approximately six (6) millimeters; said flow passages being of such size and quantity as to permit drainage of fluid from the anterior chamber to the scleral tissue without collapse of the anterior chamber..Iaddend..Iadd.8. A method for reducing intraocular pressure within the anterior chamber of an eye, said method comprising the following steps a. creating a scleral flap by making an incision in the sclera of the eye substantially adjacent to the limbus of the eye;   b. excising a block of scleral tissue by making a second incision into the sclera underneath the previously produced scleral flap but extending into the cornea and entering the anterior chamber at substantially the area where sclera becomes cornea to provide a pocket in the sclera and a shelf in the cornea, c. placing a device for relieving intraocular pressure, said device comprising a body portion constructed of a biocompatible material; and having flow passages therein; said device having a first end portion and a second end portion with said flow passages therebetween; and   d. the device being placed in said pocket of the sclera with said first end portion of said device positioned in said shelf of the cornea whereby said first end portion of said body portion is in direct fluid contact with the anterior chamber of the eye without substantial extension into the anterior chamber of the eye and with the second end portion of said device positioned within the sclera of the eye to permit drainage of fluid from the anterior chamber into the scleral tissue without collapse of the anterior chamber..Iaddend.