Abstract: A method for measuring an intraocular pressure within an eye has several steps. An intraocular pressure sensor that is adapted to be implanted intrasclerally is provided. An incision is cut through a scleral layer of the eye. The scleral layer is lifted with a grasping tool. The intraocular pressure sensor is inserted under the scleral layer, and the incision of the scleral layer is closed.

Abstract: A method for measuring blood pressure utilizes an implantable sensor for measuring blood pressure. The implantable sensor has a main body having an implant inductor; a probe having a neck portion extending outwardly from the main body to a conical locking flange; a terminus of the conical locking flange forming an aperture that is covered with a flexible membrane that defines an internal chamber that is filled with a biocompatible fluid; and a capacitor electronically connected to the implant inductor and operatively positioned adjacent the internal chamber. The implantable sensor is positioned adjacent a blood vessel such that the probe extends through a blood vessel wall such that the conical locking flange lockingly engages the blood vessel wall.

Abstract: A sensor system for sensing an intraocular pressure within an eye includes a glaucoma drainage device and a pressure sensor. The glaucoma drainage device has an explant plate and a lumened tube, the explant plate being adapted to fit over the eye, and the lumened tube being adapted to be inserted into the eye. The pressure sensor is operably attached to the glaucoma drainage device for sensing the intraocular pressure of the eye and for generating a sensor signal representative of the pressure.

Abstract: A silicon monolithic miniature intra-ocular pressure sensing probe utilizes pressure sensing piezoresistors attached to a silicon pressure sensing membrane which is directly exposed to the irrigating fluid used during an eye operation, for example. From a silicon fabrication point of view, this is a micro electromechanical (MEM) device and the integration of the piezoresistive pressure sensor directly into the cannula which is inserted into the eye is partially made possible by providing p++ etch stops to gain access for electrical connection to the piezoresistive elements arranged in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. The silicon sensing membrane forms a smooth surface to avoid turbulence and is close to the eye to minimize error.