Novel Micromachined Valved Glaucoma Drainage Devices

Abstract

In this work two novel valve devices are proposed for treatment of glaucoma. By opening or closing, the proposed valves can be used to reduce high pressures in the eye (hypertony), or prevent low pressures in the eye (hypotony) respectively. These devices work based on the buckling of fluid channel connected to the anterior chamber of the eye. The first proposed valve is fully mechanical while the second proposed device is magnetically driven.

Microfluidics in the eye: a review of glaucoma implants from an engineering perspective

“…, IOP). 167 Two springs are located on both sides of the flow pathway, which can be used to adjust the cross section area of the tubing. The opening and closure pressure can be carefully designed in advance by tuning the elasticity of these springs and the pressure of the sealed surrounding air.…”

“…Different from the aforementioned classic microvalve designs, Jafarabadi's group has proposed a unique valving mechanism that consists of a tube as the pathway for the AH and a pressurization system that buckles the tubing responding to its input pressure (i.e., IOP). 167 Two springs are located on both sides of the flow pathway, which can be used to adjust the cross section area of the tubing. The opening and closure pressure can be carefully designed in advance by tuning the elasticity of these springs and the pressure of the sealed surrounding air.…”