Patent ID: 8206440
Filing Date: 2012-06-26
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A glaucoma shunt microapparatus ( 11 ) implantable in an eye to ameliorate glaucoma or ocular overpressure causing disease, the microapparatus being made using MEMS technology, said microapparatus comprising: a drainage conduit ( an actuator ( a pressure sensor ( an integrated power supply ( wherein said diaphragm has an unpowered position that closes said drainage conduit, and said sensor responds to the pressure inside said ocular cavity to electrically cause said diaphragm to move to a position that opens said drainage conduit, wherein each of said pressure sensor and said actuator diaphragm comprises a composite structure including a membrane ( wherein said drainage conduit includes tapered walls ( wherein said pressure sensor is connected to a generator for generating an electric field about said electrically-deformable diaphragm, and said pressure sensor is connected to said generator by a microprocessor ( wherein said generator generates the electric field deforming said actuator diaphragm when said pressure sensor detects fluid pressure inside said drainage conduit exceeding a glaucoma threshold, and wherein said microapparatus is housed and integrated inside a capsule having a maximum dimension not greater than 3 mm.