Abstract: A guiding system includes a capsule medical device including a permanent magnet; a magnetic field generating unit to generate a magnetic field to the magnet to guide the capsule, and change a direction of the magnetic field in a three-dimensional space; and a control unit to control the magnetic field generated by the generating unit. Where the capsule is located on a liquid surface, the control unit generates a first magnetic field such that a plane, which is parallel to a vertical axis and in which a magnetic field including a rotating magnetic field where a magnetic field is rotated on the plane is generated, pivots about the vertical axis at a predetermined period and a second magnetic field for generating a magnetic attracting force for moving the magnet vertically downward to submerge the capsule in the liquid, the first and second magnetic fields being applied at a same time.

Abstract: Described herein are various systems and methods for directing endoscopy instruments to varying positions at a target site. In one aspect, at least one instrument channel has multiple exit points at the distal end of the guide tube, and the position of an instrument delivered through the channel may be switched between the different exit points. In another aspect, an instrument channel splits into multiple branches at the distal end of the guide tube, and the position of an instrument at the target site may be changed by selectively directing the instrument into a different channel branch. In yet another aspect, the guide tube, or a portion thereof, may be rotated to reposition an instrument at the target site. The capability of changing the instrument positions during a procedure would enable a physician to examine or treat multiple target sites within an operative field, without necessitating the full retraction of the instruments or the guide tube from the operative field.

Abstract: A pump for inducing motion of a fluid, the pump including a cannula adjustable between an operable configuration having a first diameter and a deployment configuration having a substantially smaller second diameter. An impeller is rotatable within the cannula about an axis. The impeller includes an at least semi-rigid support for a flexible web, and is positionable with respect to the cannula the operable configuration and the deployment configuration, the operable configuration extending the web to a first radial distance from the axis and the deployment configuration collapsing the web to a second substantially smaller radial distance from the axis.

Abstract: A plug-in unit with integral cable connection to the operating part of an endoscope and plug connections for lamps, mechanical, and/or electronic modules is characterized in that a hollow tube extending to the distal end of the endoscope is inserted into the plug-in unit by the integral cable connection and the operating part and has its proximal end positioned so that it is freely movable in the plug-in unit in such a way that can be conducted out of a closeable bore-hole in the wall of the plug-in unit.

Abstract: A light source device emits normal illumination light and special illumination light interchangeably at a charge-storage time of an imaging device. A DRP is reconfigurable between a normal image producing circuit and a special image producing circuit. A CPU instructs the reconfiguration of the DRP when detecting that a vertical synchronization signal from a drive circuit falls to zero level. The DRP gains an access to a configuration memory to load circuit information of the normal or special image producing circuit. According to the circuit information loaded, the DRP changes functions and interconnection of processor elements.

Abstract: An endoscopic imaging catheter is configured for insertion, optionally via a longitudinal channel of an endoscopic insertion tube. The endoscopic imaging catheter includes reflecting and optical elements and an imaging element. The reflecting element reflects onto the imaging element through the optical element side and rear views of at least a portion, or the entire 360° view of a wall encircling an intrabody lumen around the axis of said the longitudinal channel.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope includes a white light source, an excitation light source, an imaging device, and a light amount controller. The white light source emits white light for illuminating a subject. The excitation light source emits excitation light for generating fluorescent light on the subject. The imaging device generates first image signals by receiving reflected light of the white light, and generates second image signals by receiving the fluorescent light. The light amount controller controls the amount of the white light to lower the difference between a reflected light luminance and a fluorescent light luminance, so that a normal image corresponding to the first image signals and a fluorescent image corresponding to the second image signals that are both real-time images representing the same subject at the time of receiving the reflected light and the fluorescent light can be generated.

Abstract: A wound retractor device comprises a distal member for insertion into a wound opening, a proximal member for location externally of the wound opening, a connecting member extending at least between the distal member and the proximal member. At least part of the connecting member is movable relative to the proximal member to shorten the length of the connecting member located between the distal member and the proximal member and thereby retract laterally the sides of the wound opening. At least part of the connecting member is movable relative to the proximal member by a guide slot through which the connecting member changes its direction to substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wound retractor device.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a rigid shaft connected between a handle and a head. The head of the surgical device is sized for insertion into an organ such as a vagina, a uterus, a rectum, or an esophagus. The head includes an expansion plate and a door coupled to a central plate. The central plate has a distal end connected to the rigid shaft, an anterior surface, and a recess formed in a posterior side of the central plate that provides a posterior surface opposite the anterior surface. The expansion plate is coupled to and movable relative to the anterior surface of the central plate. The door is coupled disposed within the recess of the central plate and movable relative to the posterior surface of the central plate. The expansion plate is movable independently of the door to allow the head to expand and move the organ.

Abstract: A device, system and method for orthopedic spine surgery using a novel screw-based retractor, disclosed herein, that allows for access to the spine through a minimally or less invasive approach. The retractor device is designed to be coupled to a pedicle screw and then to have opposed arms of the retractor spread apart to open the wound proximally. The retractor is removed by pulling it out of the wound whereby the retractor is deformed to pass over the pedicle screw head. The retractor is intended to be made of a stiff plastic material, sterile packaged and disposable after one use. A system and method for using the retractor and performing a minimally invasive spine surgical procedure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel wearable electronic skin patch sensor device configured for the real time acquisition, processing and communicating of cardiac activity and other types of biological information within a wired or wireless network is disclosed. A system level scheme for networking the sensor device with client devices that include intelligent personal health management appliances, cellular telephones, PDAs, portable computers, personal computers, RFID Tags and servers is disclosed. The sensor device and the system enable distributed processing, archival and correlation of the biological information with biometrics, gastronomic information, user profiles and health factors that include height, weight, blood pressure and physical activity facilitating real time personal health management at any time and any place.

Abstract: A patient terminal can communicate with doctor terminals and a center terminal via a communication network. The patient terminal acquires vital data from a measuring device with a receiving unit. A control unit determines whether the vital data contains an abnormal value and the necessity of messaging depending on the presence or absence of a manual messaging request with a message button and selects the doctor terminal or the center terminal. When it is determined that messaging is necessary, the control unit makes a communication unit call the selected terminal.

Abstract: A hydration sensor or sensing element configured to measure the hydration level of a user is disclosed. The sensing element can include a water-permeable material positioned in between two water-impermeable material. The sensing element can be coupled to a bottle of fluid, or a carrier with a timer. The sensing element can be incorporated into a handheld device. The sensing element can be a disposable element, an element applicable for more than one-time use, or a re-usable element. The sensing element or sensor can be calibrated for a specific user or a group of users. One or more additional sensors that do not measure hydration level of the user can be coupled to a hydration sensing element to determine the amount of fluid consumption for the user in different conditions.

Abstract: A graphical user interface is provided which allows the user to perform numerous operations suitable for analysis of in-vivo images within a single display screen or a single window. Using the in-vivo GUI, the user may create and manipulate analysis tools such as rectangle and ellipse tools to define regions of interest and perform various measurements on an in-vivo image. In addition, the GUI allows the user to store measurement results in a dated electronic notebook, display testing information, manipulate image presentation and print while maintaining view of the image.

Abstract: A real-time physiological signal measurement and feedback system is suitable to be worn on a body part of an user for decreasing the noise of motion, and includes a sensor module, a signal processing module and a feedback platform. The sensor module includes a first magnetic unit having a light emitting diode and a second magnetic unit having a photo-detector. The light emitting diode illuminates a light beam passing through the body part and being received by the photo-detector so as to generate an electric signal when both of the first and the second magnetic units attract mutually to sandwich the body part. The signal processing module converts the electrical signal into a digital signal. The feedback platform processes the digital signal to generate a physiological parameter, and is used as a multi-function driving recorder. An alarm is triggered or not by the feedback platform according to the physiological parameter.

Abstract: Devices and methods for maintaining a medical device on-body are provided. Embodiments include medical device securement systems having first and second on-body securement elements. Also provided are systems and kits for use maintaining a medical device on-body.

Abstract: A real time tissue sampling and analysis system includes a catheter including an elongated body defining at least one internal lumen, a sampling device positionable within the at least one internal lumen of the catheter for collecting a tissue sample, and a biochip disposed within the at least one internal lumen. The biochip includes a substrate for receiving the tissue sample, a marker for interacting with the tissue sample, and a sensor for identifying a characteristic of the tissue sample and transmitting data about the tissue sample to a processing unit for analysis.

Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte.

Abstract: Metabolism diseases are evaluated by using a sensor to measure concentration of a medically significant analyte in a human or animal body fluid. The measurement data are correlated with the concentration of a medically significant analyte in body fluid over a time period of at least eight hours. An analytical facility analyzes time intervals within the time period to determine a stability parameter that characterizes the analyte concentration dynamics of change. The analytical facility further analyzes the stability parameters to determine disease-related particularities of metabolism.

Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte.

Abstract: A method (50) for quantitative 3D contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) analysis includes acquiring (54) an initial pair of ultrasound contrast and tissue images of an anatomy. A region of interest (ROI) or volume of interest (VOI) is established (56) in the initial acquired tissue image, which becomes the baseline tissue image. The established ROI/VOI is automatically registered (58) from the initial tissue image to the initial contrast image, which becomes a baseline contrast image. Quantitative analysis is performed (60) on the ROI/VOI of the baseline contrast image. The method further includes acquiring (62) a next ultrasound contrast and tissue image pair, corresponding to an i th current contrast and tissue image pair.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring mechanical properties of a tissue using an ultrasound system is provided. Ultrasound energy is applied to the tissue using the ultrasound system in order to produce shear waves that propagate in the tissue. Measurement data are then acquired by directing ultrasound detection pulses into the tissue. Information about the intensity field of the ultrasound energy used to produce the shear waves is obtained and used to produce a correction factor. This correction factor is applied to the measurement data to correct the measurement data for errors arising from the geometry of the ultrasound energy used to produce the shear waves. From the corrected measurement data, mechanical properties of the tissue are calculated.

Abstract: A method of displaying an elastic image according to the present invention includes the steps of measuring ultrasound cross-section data of a cross-section region of a subject while applying compression to the subject 1 (2, 3, 4), determining distortion of tissue in the cross-section region on the basis of the ultrasound cross-section data, generating an elastic image of the cross-section region on the basis of the distortion, displaying the elastic image on a display device (7), setting a plurality of ROIs on the elastic image displayed on the display device, converting the distortion of each ROI into an index value (12), and displays the index value on the display device (8). In this way, the method enables quantitative evaluation of the hardness of body tissue of a region to be diagnosed.

Abstract: Shear wave dispersion ultrasound vibrometry (SDUV) is implemented in some embodiments to form, from a single tracking pulse, in-parallel-directed receive lines (411-426) for making measurements of a monochromatic shear wave. In some embodiments, sampling is performed, over spatial locations by means of passes over the locations, in an interlaced pattern (600) for making measurements of the wave. In some embodiments, measurements are made of the wave and to the measurements are applied a bank of filters (S724) that are tuned to respective candidate wave speeds, all without the need to determine a difference between wave phases at different spatial locations (451-454).

Abstract: An elastic image suitable for diagnosis is easily acquired without depending on the examiner's pressure technique. The displacement of tissue in a tomographic portion of an object is measured on the basis of a pair of RF signal frame data items regarding the tomographic portion, which are obtained at different times by transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave to and from the object (b). The average displacement of each beam line (d0 to dn) of an ultrasonic wave is calculated (c), and a displacement gradient (50) in the scanning direction of an ultrasonic probe is calculated on the basis of the displacement average (d). A correction coefficient (52) with respect to the displacement of each beam line is calculated on the basis of the calculated displacement gradient (e), and the displacement distribution measured on the basis of the calculated correction coefficient is corrected (f).

Abstract: A sphygmomanometer measures blood pressure in accordance with an oscillation in an artery wall, resulting from an arterial pulse correspondent with a change in cuff pressure. It comprises a cuff that is connected to the sphygmomanometer main body by a tube, a display unit for displaying the results of blood pressure measurements, and an air supply unit for supplying air to, and thus pressurizing, the cuff, which is detachable from the sphygmomanometer main body. The air supply unit is screwed into the sphygmomanometer main body with a screw assembly, and the screwed-in state is preserved by a caulking ring. The air supply unit also comprises a filter for keeping dust from entering the sphygmomanometer main body.

Abstract: The invention is in one embodiment an apparatus and a method for measuring the blood pressure of a vertebrate subject. The apparatus uses an inflatable chamber with a sensor to detect signals indicative of a blood pressure of the subject during an inflation interval of the inflatable chamber. If secondary motion or artifact signals are detected, the apparatus and method determine whether the secondary signals are below a predetermined value, and if so, complete the measurement. If the signals indicate that the measurement is not accurate, the system and method immediately institute a measurement of the blood pressure during a deflation interval, which can include a step deflation interval. In the event that the subject is identified as a neonate, the system and method immediately measure using the deflation interval procedure.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Abstract: A system is provided for creating a sound profile that matches sounds produced by a patient during a physical examination, such as a cardiac or pulmonary examination. A user selects multiple sounds from a library and combines them to form the profile which may then be modified by the addition of further sounds, adjustments to their relative timing, duration, loudness, and so forth. The refinement continues iteratively, and after each change the profile is provided by the system to the user, for example, as a phonocardiogram for comparison against the sounds observed during the examination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system designed to determine an individual's state of attention from an individual's respiratory signal. The method of the invention comprises a first learning step, wherein the characteristics of an individual's normal state are determined by selecting a respiratory signal fragment that is considered to be normal according to a pre-established criterion, and a second analysis phase, wherein the individual's state of attention is determined from parameters extracted from the respiratory signal on the basis of some pre-defined rules and the individual's normal state previously characterised. The method of the invention is implemented in two embodiments. A first embodiment is based on the identification of pre-defined patterns in the respiratory signal and, in the second embodiment, an index indicative of the variability of the respiratory signal is defined.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use with a subject who is undergoing respiration. A motion sensor senses motion of a subject. A breathing pattern analysis unit analyzes components of the sensed motion that result from the subject's respiration. The breathing pattern analysis unit includes double-movement-respiration-cycle-pattern-identification functionality that designates respiration cycles as being double-movement-respiration-cycles (DMRC's) by determining that the cycles define two subcycles. Double-movement-respiration-cycle-event-identification functionality of the breathing pattern analysis unit identifies a DMRC event by detecting that the subject has undergone a plurality of DMRC's. An output is generated that is indicative of the subject having used accessory muscles in breathing, in response to identification of the double-movement-respiration-cycle event. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing the benefits of encoded signal transmission and reception to enhance the performance of medical testing devices (100) adapted to evoke and measure biological response signals such as auditory evoked potentials (AEP), and the auditory brainstem response (ABR) signals in particular. Auditory stimuli, such as clicks, are presented to the ear of a human patient, in a predetermined encoded sequence, resulting in the generation of auditory responses and bio-electric response signals in the human patient. These response signals from the patient are acquired and observed, and are processed according to the predetermined encoded sequence in which the auditory stimuli were presented to the patient's ear in order to extract the desired auditory evoked potential signals or ABR signals.

Abstract: A lung biopsy tool having a deployable snare and an inflatable pull type cutter for removing small samples of tissue.

Abstract: An adjustable coaxial needle assembly for placement into a tissue mass prior to a biopsy procedure comprises a guide cannula assembly, a stylet, and a throw calibrator. The stylet is selectively coaxially received by the guide cannula, which is in turn coaxially received by the throw calibrator. The effective length of the guide cannula can be selectively adjusted by moving the throw calibrator relative to the guide cannula to adjust the distance between an open distal end of the guide cannula and a the throw calibrator.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to a sampling device adapted for sampling of biological materials from a subject and methods of use or manufacture of such devices, as well as diagnostic methods employing such devices and kits including such devices. The sampling device may comprise: an outer tube; an elongate insertion member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is distal of the second end, the insertion member being received in and sized to be movable through the outer tube; a coupling portion disposed at the first end of the insertion member; and a sampling portion coupled to the coupling portion and configured to collect the biological materials. The coupling portion is separable from the insertion member.

Abstract: An analytic magazine is proposed, which comprises at least one chamber with at least one analytic aid. The analytic aid comprises at least one test element for detecting at least one analyte in a sample of a bodily fluid. The test element has at least one test field with at least one test chemical. The test field is at least partly arranged within the chamber, wherein at least one wall of the chamber at least partly covers the test field and at least partly delimits a test-field surface that is accessible from the chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for replacing a first introducer, whose distal end is inside a vessel and whose proximal end is outside the skin of a patient, with a second introducer. The method comprises the steps of inserting a guide rod into the first introducer, removing the first introducer, passing the second introducer over the guide rod, and removing the guide rod. The guide rod to be used according to the method has preferably a flexible distal portion with a blunt distal end and a stiff proximal portion with a tapered proximal end.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for generating an index associated with non-nutritive suck pattern stability. An example apparatus can include an STI generator configured to generate a plurality of non-nutritive suck (NNS) pressure samples using a non-nutritive pacifier and a pressure transducer, and to sum a plurality of standard deviations based on the plurality of NNS pressure samples to provide a spatiotemporal index (STI) of non-nutritive suck pattern stability, wherein the STI is configured to provide a composite indication of variability of amplitude, and duration of a plurality of portions of the NNS pressure samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new non-invasive method for inducing angiogenesis and more particularly coronary angiogenesis wherein an operator applies localized percussion upon the upper torso proximate an ischemic myocardial region, whereby the percussive forces penetrate to cause sheer stresses to the endothelium of the coronaries which lie thereupon, and thereby cause new coronary growth by virtue of endogenous liberation of beneficial angiogenic mediators. A pair of vibratory contacts are advantageously applied to rib-spaces to either side of the sternum (or alternatively to the upper back), where-after percussion is applied at the resonance frequency of the heart/epimyocardium at a displacement amplitude of 0.1 mm-15 mm (preferably greater than 1 mm), such as to maximize an internal oscillatory effect. The system is also adaptable for cerebral and peripheral vasculature applications. Ultrasonic imaging may optionally be utilized to direct percussive therapy.

Abstract: A compression treatment system is provided that detects the number of and type of garments connected thereto. The system includes a plurality of ports, valves connected thereto and a number of garments having one or more bladders. The bladders are in fluid communication with a fluid source in a pneumatic circuit, to provide compression therapy once a user confirms the number of and type of garments connected to the system for use by a patient. A single pressure sensor communicates with a plurality of detected bladders located in the one or more garments.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for generating controlled pneumatic pressure to a human body to achieve mucus clearance from the pulmonary system. Controlled pneumatic pressure consisting of individual vibratory pressure and constrictive pressure variations are generated and applied to the thorax to promote mucus clearance. The vibratory pressure variation is channeled to a pressure receiver secured to the upper thorax of the body, and the constrictive pressure variation is channeled to a pressure receiver secured to the lower thorax of the body. The vibratory pressure variation serves to loosen the mucus, while the constrictive pressure variation provides the motive force that promotes mucus expulsion from the pulmonary system.

Abstract: An ankle brace is configured with a lateral anterior talofibular (ATF) strap and an inversion control strap affixed to a non-rigid brace body coupled to a semi-rigid orthotic arch support. The brace may be quickly donned and doffed by a wearer, and provides prophylactic or post-injury support to the ATF ligament without unduly restricting the wearer's motion. As a result, the wearer may participate in physical activity without significant impairment in range of motion.

Abstract: A traction device comprises a frame, a first bladder portion, a second bladder portion, a strap, and a pump. The first bladder expands in an outward direction a distance greater than in a transverse direction. The second bladder expands in an angular direction. The second bladder is positioned generally below and to the side of the first bladder. The frame is secured to the user's head. Upon expanding in the outward direction, the first bladder bears against the back of the user's neck and forces the cervical spine to curve forwardly. Upon expanding in the transverse direction, the first bladder applies an angular traction to the cervical spine. Upon expanding in the angular direction, the second bladder bears angularly against the back of the user's upper thoracic region and forces the thoracic spine to decompress and reduces hyper-kyphosis of the upper thoracic spine.

Abstract: An assembly comprising: (a) a test tube for receiving a blood sample or a platelet-comprising fraction thereof and for obtaining therein, by a procedure that includes centrifugation, a platelet rich plasma (PRP) fraction; (b) an elongated filter device having a first and second end and a lumen extending there between, and having a filter fitted at the first end, the filter having a effective pore size such to permit passage of platelets and not permit passage of white blood cells (WBC) larger than a defined size into the lumen, the second end having an opening; the first end of the elongated filter device being adapted for tight fitting into said test tube such that when forced into the test tube to exert pressure on the PRP fraction, the PRP fraction with the platelets filters into said lumen and white blood cells of a size large than said defined size remain in the test tube to thereby obtain a WBC-selective PRP within said lumen.

Abstract: A method for capturing dislodged vegetative growth during a surgical procedure is provided. The method includes maneuvering, into a circulatory system, a first cannula having a distal end and an opposing proximal end, such that the first cannula is positioned to capture the vegetative growth en bloc. A second cannula is positioned in fluid communication with the first cannula, such that a distal end of the second cannula is situated in spaced relation to the distal end of the first cannula. A suction force is provided through the distal end of the first cannula so as to capture the vegetative growth. Fluid removed by the suction force is reinfused through the distal end of the second cannula. Subsequent to becoming dislodged, the vegetative growth is caputred by the first cannula. A method for capturing a vegetative growth during removal of a pacemaker lead is also provided.

Abstract: A blood treatment method is described that is adapted to at least partially eliminate the carbon dioxide content of the type comprising a step of drawing a blood flow. Advantageously according to the invention, the method further comprises the steps of: acidifying the blood flow with transformation of the related blood bicarbonate content into gaseous carbon dioxide; and eliminating the gaseous carbon dioxide content by means of a pressure gradient.

Abstract: A perfusion system is easy to set-up, use and monitor during a bypass procedure. At least some of the disposable components used with the perfusion system are configured to be able to communicate set-up and/or operational parameters to the perfusion system. A blood level sensor can be used to monitor a blood level or volume within a blood reservoir.

Abstract: An ocular implant having a body extending along a generally curved longitudinal axis, the curved longitudinal axis defining a first plane, the body having a diameter of between 0.005 inches and 0.04 inches and being adapted to be disposed within a canal of Schlemm in a human subject's eye; wherein the body has a first flexibility when bent along the first plane and a second flexibility different from the first flexibility when bent along a second plane that intersects the first plane and is not coincident with the first plane. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of treating a human eye, including the steps of: inserting an implant into Schlemm's canal of a human eye, the implant having a first flexibility when bent along a first plane and a second flexibility different from the first flexibility when bent along a second plane that intersects the first plane and is not coincident with the first plane; and supporting tissue forming Schlemm's canal with the implant.

Abstract: Methods and devices are adapted for implanting into the eye. An incision is formed in the cornea of the eye and a shunt is inserted through the incision into the anterior chamber of the eye. The shunt includes a fluid passageway. The shunt is passed along a pathway from the anterior chamber through the scleral spur of the eye into the suprachoroidal space and positioned in a first position such that a first portion of the fluid passageway communicates with the anterior chamber and a second portion of the fluid passageway communicates with the suprachoroidal space to provide a fluid passageway between the suprachoroidal space and the anterior chamber.