Patent ID: 9468558
Filing Date: 2016-10-18
CPC Classification: A61F,A61M,Y10S

Claim Text:
1. A method of treating glaucoma in an eye utilizing an implanted drainage device, the method comprising the steps of: providing a glaucoma shunt comprising a plate and an elastomeric drainage tube having an open cross-section, an outflow end of the elastomeric drainage tube connected to a part of the plate and an inflow end extending away from the plate, the drainage tube having an open lumen and a tube wall with a hoop strength; positioning the glaucoma shunt in the eye with the plate positioned on the sclera posterior to the limbus; forming an incision at or near the limbus; inserting the inflow end of the drainage tube through the incision and the inflow end into the anterior chamber of the eye; bending the drainage tube to extend along the sclera close to the incision to create a kink in the drainage tube as it enters the incision, the kink restricting flow through the open lumen; securing the drainage tube to the sclera with a kinking suture close to the incision to facilitate formation of the kink; wherein the kinking suture creates a sharp bend angle in the tube, and the sharp bend is spaced a distance from the kinking suture; leaving the glaucoma shunt in place for a sufficient amount of time to permit formation of a scar tissue bleb around the plate; and causing removal of the kinking suture to permit the drainage tube to resiliently expand to permit fluid flow therethrough.