Abstract: An inserter device is provided for use with a glaucoma drainage device including a tube having a proximal end and a distal end with a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The inserter device includes an elongate member having a distal end defining a stop surface, and a stylus extending beyond the distal end of the elongate member. The stylus is sized and configured to be received within the lumen of the glaucoma drainage device with the stop surface interfacing to and limiting proximal movement of the glaucoma drainage device. The stylus has a first length that extends beyond the stop surface that is less than a second length of a portion of the lumen of the tube of the glaucoma drainage device that extends beyond the stop surface. Systems and methods are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A glaucoma treatment system includes a glaucoma drainage device having a flexible tube with distal and proximal ends, and an inserter with a filament that extends beyond the distal end of a rigid elongate member (e.g., rod or inserter tube). The filament is configured to detachably couple a distal portion of the drainage device tube to the elongate member of the inserter. The filament may extend through a wall of the distal portion of the drainage device tube. The filament and elongate member of the inserter can be configured for relative movement to detach the drainage device tube from the inserter. The elongate member can define an internal channel, and the filament can be configured for axial movement in this channel so that the filament may move toward the proximal end of the elongate member to detach the drainage device tube from the inserter. Other tools are described and claimed.

Abstract: An inserter device is provided for use with a glaucoma drainage device including a tube having a proximal end and a distal end with a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The inserter device includes an elongate member having a distal end defining a stop surface, and a stylus extending beyond the distal end of the elongate member. The stylus is sized and configured to be received within the lumen of the glaucoma drainage device with the stop surface interfacing to and limiting proximal movement of the glaucoma drainage device. The stylus has a first length that extends beyond the stop surface that is less than a second length of a portion of the lumen of the tube of the glaucoma drainage device that extends beyond the stop surface. Systems and methods are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A glaucoma treatment system includes a glaucoma drainage device having a flexible tube with distal and proximal ends, and an inserter with a filament that extends beyond the distal end of a rigid elongate member (e.g., rod or inserter tube). The filament is configured to detachably couple a distal portion of the drainage device tube to the elongate member of the inserter. The filament may extend through a wall of the distal portion of the drainage device tube. The filament and elongate member of the inserter can be configured for relative movement to detach the drainage device tube from the inserter. The elongate member can define an internal channel, and the filament can be configured for axial movement in this channel so that the filament may move toward the proximal end of the elongate member to detach the drainage device tube from the inserter. Other tools are described and claimed.

Abstract: A system is provided including an elongate needle body and an aqueous humor drainage device. The drainage device includes an elongated tube that is operatively coupled to a proximal end of the needle body. Methods for the implantation of the aqueous humor drainage device in the eye are provided. A system including an elongate needle body and drainage device is also provided for draining other body cavities.

Abstract: A surgical kit includes at least one instrument and at least one implant device. The instrument has a needle body used to form a surgical passage through ocular tissue. The device includes a flexible tube that defines a duct for diverting aqueous humor with an outer surface having a maximal cross-sectional dimension that is less than the maximal cross-sectional dimension of the needle body. The device incorporates a seal that defines a maximal cross-sectional dimension that is greater that the maximal cross-sectional dimension of the needle body and is operably disposed within the surgical passage and forms a seal between the surrounding ocular tissue. The kit (and devices thereof) can be used as part of a surgical method to divert aqueous humor to a space formed in ocular tissue.

Abstract: An inserter is provided for inserting a tubular medical implant device into tissue. The inserter includes a rigid rod extending along a longitudinal axis. The rod has a distal portion that defines an open slot. The open slot extends diametrically through the rod along the longitudinal axis to a base. The open slot is configured to receive and release the tubular medical implant device.

Abstract: A surgical kit includes at least one instrument and at least one implant device. The instrument has a needle body used to form a surgical passage through ocular tissue. The device includes a flexible tube that defines a duct for diverting aqueous humor with an outer surface having a maximal cross-sectional dimension that is less than the maximal cross-sectional dimension of the needle body. The device incorporates a seal that defines a maximal cross-sectional dimension that is greater that the maximal cross-sectional dimension of the needle body and is operably disposed within the surgical passage and forms a seal between the surrounding ocular tissue. The kit (and devices thereof) can be used as part of a surgical method to divert aqueous humor to a space formed in ocular tissue.

Abstract: A system is provided including an elongate needle body and an aqueous humor drainage device. The drainage device includes an elongated tube that is operatively coupled to a proximal end of the needle body. Methods for the implantation of the aqueous humor drainage device in the eye are provided. A system including an elongate needle body and drainage device is also provided for draining other body cavities.

Abstract: A surgical kit includes at least one instrument and at least one implant device. The instrument has a needle body used to form a surgical passage through ocular tissue. The device includes a flexible tube that defines a duct for diverting aqueous humor with an outer surface having a maximal cross-sectional dimension that is less than the maximal cross-sectional dimension of the needle body. The device incorporates sealing means including at least one element that define a maximal cross-sectional dimension that is greater that the maximal cross-sectional dimension of the needle body and that are operably disposed within the surgical passage and form a seal between the surrounding ocular tissue and the element(s) as well as fixate the device in the surgical passage. The kit (and devices thereof) can be used as part of a surgical method to divert aqueous humor to a space formed in ocular tissue.

Abstract: A system is provided including an elongate needle body and an aqueous humor drainage device. The drainage device includes an elongated flexible tube that is operatively coupled to a proximal end of the needle body. Methods for the implantation of the aqueous humor drainage device in the eye are provided. A system including an elongate needle body and drainage device is also provided for draining other body cavities.

Abstract: A system is provided including an elongate needle body and an aqueous humor drainage device. The drainage device includes an elongated flexible tube that is operatively coupled to a proximal end of the needle body. Methods for the implantation of the aqueous humor drainage device in the eye are provided. A system including an elongate needle body and drainage device is also provided for draining other body cavities.

Abstract: An inserter is provided for inserting a tubular medical implant device into tissue. The inserter includes a rigid rod extending along a longitudinal axis. The rod has a distal portion that defines an open slot. The open slot extends diametrically through the rod along the longitudinal axis to a base. The open slot is configured to receive and release the tubular medical implant device.