Abstract: An aqueous humor drainage device having an elongate structure that provides a fluid passageway for diverting aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye. The device is formed from a biocompatible soft polymeric material with a hardness less than Shore 80A. Preferably, the polymeric material includes polyisobutylene and a glassy segment. The device preferably includes at least one fixation member that extends from the elongate structure. In one embodiment, the fixation member is realized by a tab that is spaced apart from the two ends of the elongate structure. In another embodiment, the fixation member is realized by a pair of tines that extend in traverse directions relative to the central axis of the elongate structure. The tines are spaced apart for positioning on opposite sides of the sclera of the eye during use.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for relieving and treating glaucoma and other ocular disorders are disclosed. The apparatus includes a thin flexible membrane and preferably a tubular member. In another aspect of the invention, a surgical device for repairing ocular tissue includes a flexible membrane of a polymeric material comprising polyisobutylene. In the preferred embodiment, the polymeric material of the membrane is porous.

Abstract: A surgical method is provided for diverting aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye. A surgical tool is provided having a hollow support member that supports a portion of an aqueous humor drainage device. The device has an elongate duct structure and preferably at least one fixation member that extends therefrom. The distal end of the hollow support member is inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye through an opening passing through the sclera. The aqueous humor drainage device is deployed from the hollow support member for placement into the eye. In one embodiment, the fixation member is realized by a tab that is spaced apart from the two ends of the elongate duct structure. In another embodiment, the fixation member is realized by a pair of tines that extend in traverse directions relative to the central axis of the elongate duct structure.

Abstract: A surgical implant device for treating glaucoma includes an elongate duct structure formed from a material comprising polyisobutylene and a glassy segment. The material of the elongate duct structure preferably has a general block structure with a central elastomeric polyolefinic block and thermoplastic end blocks (e.g., a triblock polymer backbone comprising polystyrene-polyisobutylene-polystyrene). The elongate duct structure provides a fluid passageway for diverting aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye. Preferably, the elongate duct structure defines a lumen channel having an inside diameter between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm. The material of the elongate duct structure is biocompatible and biostable. Moreover, the material will not encapsulate in the eye and thus provides an unobstructed flowpath that diverts aqueous humor from the anterior chamber. Different embodiments of the implant device divert the aqueous humor to different parts of the eye (e.g.