31 results about "Aqueous humor outflow" patented technology

The invention relates generally to medical devices and methods for ocular imaging and, more particularly, to devices and methods for increasing contrast in an eye in which an imaging contrast agent is introduced into an aqueous humor outflow channel. For example, in one embodiment, the outflow channel may be Schlemm's Canal, or in another embodiment, the outflow channel may be an episcleral vein. Also disclosed are methods for implanting a trabecular stent via an ab extemo procedure with assistance of enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to restore a part or all of the normal physiological function of directing aqueous outflow for maintaining a normal intraocular pressure in an eye.

Because vision loss in most forms of glaucoma is related to elevated IOP, most glaucoma treatment protocols are concerned with lowering IOP by increasing aqueous humor outflow. The invention utilizes electromagnetic radiation to create retraction in the iris tissue, thereby (a) reducing convexity and enlarging the drainage angle and thus the area of the anterior chamber, (b) reducing contact between the zonule fibers and the iris pigment epithelium, (c) applying greater tension to both the TM and uveoscleral outflow pathways, thereby enlarging those pathways and increasing outflow.

The present invention provides systems and methods for reducing intraocular pressure, thereby to treat glaucoma and other disorders. The systems of the present invention include a shunt insertable across the clear cornea and a delivery device for inserting the shunt in the transcorneal position. The shunt has a body with a head at one end and a foot at the opposite end, and a channel therethrough permitting the passage of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to the external surface of the cornea. A removable filter is positioned within the channel to regulate aqueous humor outflow and to resist the incursion of microorganisms.

An ocular implant having an inlet portion and a Schlemm's canal portion distal to the inlet portion, the inlet portion being disposed at a proximal end of the implant and sized and configured to be placed within an anterior chamber of a human eye, the Schlemm's canal portion being arranged and configured to be disposed within Schlemm's canal of the eye when the inlet portion is disposed in the anterior chamber.

Because vision loss in most forms of glaucoma is related to elevated IOP, most glaucoma treatment protocols are concerned with lowering IOP by increasing aqueous humor outflow. The invention utilizes electromagnetic radiation to create retraction in the iris tissue, thereby (a) reducing convexity and enlarging the drainage angle and thus the area of the anterior chamber, (b) reducing contact between the zonule fibers and the iris pigment epithelium, (c) applying greater tension to both the TM and uveoscleral outflow pathways, thereby enlarging those pathways and increasing outflow.

The invention relates to an aqueous humor drainage implant. The aqueous humor drainage implant comprises a T-shaped drainage tube and a drainage disk, which are connected, wherein a liquid inlet transverse tube of the T-shaped drainage tube has the same curvature radius as that of a limbus corneae; a drain groove is formed at the contact surface between the liquid inlet transverse tube and an aqueous humor; an aqueous humor outflow controller is formed by a drainage long tube of the T-shaped drainage wrapped along protuberant ridges of the drainage disk or by utilizing a double-leaf flap valve, so as to avoid or reduce the occurrence of shallow anterior chamber and ocular hypotension in early period of post operation; a liquid outlet end of the drainage tube is matched with an anti-fall off clamp on the drainage disk; the liquid inlet transverse tube and the drainage long tube are integrally formed, or abutted through a leak-proof clamp so as to reduce the cost of a secondary surgery and facilitate the replacement of the drainage tube when an operation fails due to blockage of the drainage tube; a 5-Fu lipidosome biological filtering membrane is attached to the inner wall of the drain groove so as to effectively control the formation of blood coagulation as well as the scarring of a surgical area; suture holes are formed at the front end of the drainage disk; and aqueous humor traffic holes are formed in the center of the drainage disk and the protuberant ridges are arranged at the periphery of the drainage disk. The novel aqueous humor drainage implant is applicable to the treatment of glaucoma, the volume of a filtering area is enlarged, and the drainage tube can be replaced, thereby reducing the difficulty of the secondary surgery.

An ocular implant having an inlet portion and a Schlemm's canal portion distal to the inlet portion, the inlet portion being disposed at a proximal end of the implant and sized and configured to be placed within an anterior chamber of a human eye, the Schlemm's canal portion being arranged and configured to be disposed within Schlemm's canal of the eye when the inlet portion is disposed in the anterior chamber.

Inhibition of geranylgeranylation of Rho GTPases and heterotrimeric G-proteins in the aqueous outflow pathway increases aqueous humor outflow, possibly through the tissue relaxation, and through altered cell adhesive interactions and actin cytoskeletal organization in cells of the outflow pathway. In addition, such inhibition is useful for treating age-related macular degeneration. The GGTase-I enzyme is a molecular target for lowering increased ocular pressure in glaucoma patients.

Methods for treating increased intraocular pressure by administering agents that interfere with activities of integrin-linked kinase. By interfering with the ability of integrin-linked kinase to couple integrin signaling to the actin cytoskeleton, aqueous humor outflow facility through the trabecular meshwork is increased and intraocular pressure is decreased.

The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of glaucoma, wherein the pharmaceutical composition includes angiogenin or a fragment thereof as an active ingredient. Angiogenin or a fragment thereof according to the present invention activates aqueous humor outflow due to NO generation increase, Schlemm's canal expansion, and intercellular interval widening, thereby reducing intraocular pressure. Accordingly, angiogenin and a fragment may be useful for the prevention and treatment of glaucoma.

An image processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire a tomographic image containing an aqueous humor outflow pathway region that includes at least one of a Schlemm's canal and a collector channel in an anterior ocular segment of a subject's eye, and a generation unit configured to generate an image with the aqueous humor outflow pathway region emphasized or extracted therein based on a luminance value in the tomographic image.

A valve device for use in glaucoma surgery comprises at least one aqueous humor feeding duct (2) having a first end (2a) designed to fit into the anterior chamber of the eyeball, a balancing chamber (3) communicating with a second end (2b) of the feeding duct (2) and having an inner volume ranging from 2 mm3 to 6 mm3, and designed to be introduced into a surgical groove in the sclera, a retainer member (6) placed within the feeding duct (2) to allow fluid transfer from the first end (2a) toward the second end (2b) of the feeding duct (2) and to inhibit fluid transfer in the opposite direction. A plurality of aqueous humor outflow ducts (5) extend from the balancing chamber (3) to allow outflow of aqueous humor from the balancing chamber (3) to an outside space.

An integrin antagonist reduces the occurrence of cross-linked actin network (CLAN) structures in cells of the trabecular meshwork. CLAN structures are associated with steroid-induced glaucoma. Reduction in CLAN structures is associated with increased aqueous humor outflow facility from the trabecular meshwork.

The invention provides a magnetic nanoparticle and a method for preparing an elevated intraocular pressure animal model from the same. The magnetic nanoparticle is adjustable in size, is provided witha multi-stage assembly structure, and can be prepared through an emulsion polymerization method. When the elevated intraocular pressure animal model is prepared, the magnetic nanoparticle is guided into eyes through anterior chamber injection, self-crosslinking or decrosslinking can be adjusted according to a specific microstructure structure of an aqueous humor circulation path, namely a trabecular meshwork / Schlemm's canal, and a stable aqueous humor blocking layer is formed. An aqueous humor moving channel is plugged in all directions and multiple levels, aqueous humor return fluid circulation is limited, the aqueous humor outflow resistance is increased, and the elevated intraocular pressure is maintained lastingly. The preparation method of the elevated intraocular pressure animal model is simple, convenient to use, safe and long in effect.

The present invention provides methods of inhibiting cadherins between Schlemm's canal cells, to a patient suffering from glaucoma as well as screening for substances that inhibit cadherins between the Schlemm's canal cells.

The invention discloses an implant for increasing outflow of aqueous humor and a production method of the implant. The implant comprises an arc-shaped tube body; a plurality of first drainage holes are formed in the side wall of the outer side of the tube body; a plurality of second drainage holes are formed in the side wall of the inner side of the tube body; and a puncture part is arranged at one end of the tube body. The implant is designed to be tubular, after the implant is implanted into the eye, the tube body has better expanding and supporting effects on tissues in the eye, a flow guide channel is prevented from being blocked by the tissues in the eye, and the flow guide channel can be kept unobstructed. And the implant is more suitable for closed-angle glaucoma and is more suitable for Chinese patients.

An integrin antagonist reduces the occurrence of cross-linked actin network (CLAN) structures in cells of the trabecular meshwork. CLAN structures are associated with steroid-induced glaucoma. Reduction in CLAN structures is associated with increased aqueous humor outflow facility from the trabecular meshwork.

Inhibition of geranylgeranylation of Rho GTPases and heterotrimeric G-proteins in the aqueous outflow pathway increases aqueous humor outflow, possibly through the tissue relaxation, and through altered cell adhesive interactions and actin cytoskeletal organization in cells of the outflow pathway. In addition, such inhibition is useful for treating age-related macular degeneration. The GGTase-I enzyme is a molecular target for lowering increased ocular pressure in glaucoma patients.

The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of glaucoma, wherein the pharmaceutical composition includes angiogenin or a fragment thereof as an active ingredient. Angiogenin or a fragment thereof according to the present invention activates aqueous humor outflow due to NO generation increase, Schlemm's canal expansion, and intercellular interval widening, thereby reducing intraocular pressure. Accordingly, angiogenin and a fragment may be useful for the prevention and treatment of glaucoma.

The invention provides a minimally invasive implanted aqueous humor diverter, which is used for communicating an anterior chamber with a suprachoroidal space or communicating the anterior chamber with a subconjunctival space to additionally establish a drainage bypass, so that the outflow of aqueous humor is increased, and the symptoms of glaucoma are relieved. The split-flow pipe comprises a split-flow pipe with an axial through hole, the split-flow pipe is provided with a body pipe part and a protruding ring part, a flange extending outwards in the circumferential direction of the periphery of the body pipe part is formed on the protruding ring part, the protruding ring part is arranged at the head end of the body pipe part, and the protruding ring part is provided with a first ring section; the outer diameter of the first ring section is larger than that of the body pipe part, and the inner diameter of the first ring section is larger than that of the body pipe part, that is, the diameter of the axial through hole in the head end hole section of the first ring section is larger than that of the axial through hole in the inner hole section of the body pipe part. When the head end hole section extends towards the inner hole section, the radial size is gradually reduced to form a horn mouth structure. The head end of the aqueous humor flow divider is provided with the protruding ring, the outer diameter is large, the inner diameter is slightly larger than that of the middle section of the flow divider, a horn mouth is formed, and drainage is accelerated.

The present invention uses ATP-binding box transporter A1 (ABCA1) agonist for the first time, anterior chamber perfusion and in vitro perfusion, and proves that it can quickly lower intraocular pressure and promote aqueous humor outflow. Cells, function similar to human schlemm duct endothelial cells and participate in the regulation of intraocular pressure by affecting proteins related to the pathogenesis of glaucoma. The above findings have not been reported in any literature. The ABCA1 agonist used in the present invention has no cytotoxic effect, its safety can be expected, and it can be widely used in the preparation of medicines for treating eye-related diseases.

The invention discloses a multipurpose anterior chamber puncture device with a pressure monitoring function. The multipurpose anterior chamber puncture device comprises an aqueous humor collecting assembly, a pressure measuring and displaying module and a pressure / flow stepless inching adjusting module which are sequentially connected from front to back. Wherein the aqueous humor collecting assembly is used for puncturing the cornea of an eyeball and collecting aqueous humor; the aqueous humor collecting assembly is provided with scales for reading the release amount of the aqueous humor; the pressure measurement and display module is used for measuring and displaying anterior chamber intraocular pressure in real time when the aqueous humor collection assembly collects aqueous humor and guiding the pressure relief control process; the pressure / flow stepless inching adjusting module is used for adjusting intraocular pressure and the flow velocity of the aqueous humor when the aqueous humor collecting assembly collects the aqueous humor. According to the multi-purpose anterior chamber puncture device with the pressure monitoring function, quantitative collection of aqueous humor can be achieved, intraocular pressure can be monitored in real time, and the intraocular pressure release speed and the aqueous humor outflow speed can be controlled.

An ophthalmic implant for treatment of glaucoma, a delivery device for implanting such an implant, and a method of implanting such an implant. The implant includes a tube having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a tube passage therebetween, and a disk connected to the tube at the outlet end of the tube. The tube passage has a cross-sectional area sufficiently small to inhibit the flow of aqueous humor through the tube passage. The implant provides a bleb of aqueous humor under the conjunctiva so that the bleb and the elasticity of the conjunctiva assist in regulating the flow of aqueous humor through the tube as a function of the IOP. The tube at its inlet end has a beveled surface facing away from the iris and one or more circumferential holes. One or more retention projections are provided for anchoring and may be extended outwardly when the implant is implanted in the eyeball. The disk has an outer rim and one or more inner uprights. The implant is implanted by use of a delivery device comprising a handle and a rodlike instrument, with a tip for insertion into the tube passage of the implant and a retention mechanism for retaining the implant. During implantation, the implant is inserted through a slit in a portion of the conjunctiva which normally lies at a distance away from the intended implantation site.

According to the invention, an ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) agonist is used for the first time; anterior chamber perfusion and in-vitro perfusion prove that the ABCA1 agonist can rapidly reduce intraocular pressure and promote aqueous humor to flow out; and in-vitro experiments show that the ABCA1 agonist acts on porcine angular plexus cells, is similar to human schlemm endothelialcells in function and participates in intraocular pressure regulation by influencing protein related to glaucoma pathogenesis. The discovery has not been reported in any literature. The ABCA1 agonistused in the invention has no cytotoxic effect; the safety of the ABCA1 agonist can be predicted, and the ABCA1 agonist can be widely applied to the preparation of medicines for treating eye related diseases.

The invention provides compositions and methods for further reducing IOP in a subject who has already achieved maximal IOP reduction using known IOP lowering agents. The activity of an ocular hypotensive treatment regimen may be increased by adding an S1P antagonist to prevent S1P mediated reversal as a result of decreased aqueous humor outflow.

A probe as disclosed herein is capable of treating both the Schlemm's canal (SC) and the trabecular meshwork (TM), or both the pars plicata and the iris root site of the eye, with electromagnetic radiation (e.g., laser light) to improve aqueous humor outflow and thus decrease intraocular pressure (IOP). The laser probe can include a tip capable of being placed on an eye, such as on a corneal limbus or a scleral limbal area of the eye. The tip can include an optical waveguide angled to direct laser light through both the SC and TM, or both the pars plicata and the iris root site of the eye. The laser light can be continuous or pulsed, and can be configured to provide appropriate therapy to both the SC and TM, or to both the pars plicata and the iris root site. The laser probe can facilitate performing trans-scleral trabeculoplasty treatment, especially trans-scleral Schlemm trabeculoplasty, and performing iridoplasty treatment.

The present invention provides methods of inhibiting cadherins between Schlemm's canal cells, to a patient suffering from glaucoma as well as screening for substances that inhibit cadherins between the Schlemm's canal cells.

The invention provides an adhesive for cataract surgery incision. The adhesive for cataract surgery incision is obtained by performing vacuum freeze drying on a chitosan electrostatic spinning film. The invention also provides a preparation method of the adhesive for cataract surgery incision. The chitosan electrostatic spinning film is subjected to vacuum freeze drying to serve as the adhesive for cataract surgery incision; and the chitosan electrostatic spinning film encounters water to form a viscous film, has a certain viscidity and tension, can prevent aqueous humor from flowing out through a cataract surgery wound, can maintain anterior chamber pressure for a long time and can prevent low-pressure eye disease. The chitosan electrostatic spinning film is a water-soluble film, can be degraded in a cornea slowly, can flow out along with tear to separate from the cornea, does not need to be treated and eliminated and avoids secondary damage to the cornea. The experiment result indicates that the adhesive provided by the invention can prevent aqueous humor from flowing out and can maintain the anterior chamber pressure to stabilize for 1 to 2 days when being used for sealing the cataract surgery incision.