Testing Aqueous Humor Pressure Or Related Condition Patents (Class 600/398)
  • Publication number: 20120310072
    Abstract: A method and device are proposed for carrying out ophthalmologic analyses especially for the pathological evaluation of the Schlemm's canal that has been exposed through a scleral flap and into which an micro catheter is inserted that also includes a medium line by means of which medium is brought into the lumen of the Schlemm's canal for dilating the lumen and a light guide for illumination such that analog images of the dilated lumen, the inner wall of the trabecular tissue and the veins of the aqueous humor can be taken by a camera and transmitted to an outside monitor for visual evaluation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: GRIESHABER OPHTHALMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventor: HANS R. GRIESHABER
  • Patent number: 8323196
    Abstract: The invention relates to medicine. The inventive device for measuring intraocular tension through an eyelid comprises a body, a movable sleeve provided with a support and placed in the body in such a way that it is reciprocally displaceable for producing a static load applicable to the eyebulb through the eyelid, a rod which is provided with a flat base and is arranged in the sleeve cavity in such a way that it is displaceable with respect to the support and produces an impact action for deforming the eyebulb through the eyelid and at least one measuring coil placed in the movable sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Gennadiy Konstantinovich Piletskiy, Konstantin Vasilyevich Ivanischev, Nikolai Gennadyevich Piletskiy, Alexandr Nikolaevich Chervyakov
  • Publication number: 20120302862
    Abstract: Arrangements and methods can be provided for determining information associated with at least one section of at least one biological tissue. For example, it is possible to provide at least one first electro-magnetic radiation to the section(s) of the biological tissue(s) in vivo so as to interact with at least one acoustic wave in the biological tissue(s). At least one second electro-magnetic radiation can be produced based on the interaction. At least one portion of the at least one second electro-magnetic radiation can be received, and the information associated with the section(s) of the biological tissue(s) can be determined based on the portion of the second electromagnetic radiation(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Seok-Hyun Yun, Giuliano Scarcelli
  • Publication number: 20120302861
    Abstract: Described herein is a device for glaucoma treatment and monitoring that comprises a combination of an intraocular pressure (IOP) sensor and a glaucoma drainage device. The device comprises an IOP sensor and an inductive antenna mounted within a porous biocompatible material that forms the drainage path. The IOP sensor is mounted in a footplate portion of the device and is mountable in the anterior chamber of an eye. The footplate portion is connected to a body portion that houses the spiral antenna by a neck portion which retains the footplate portion in a suitable position within the anterior chamber. Due to its size, the footplate portion housing the IOP sensor can readily be inserted into the anterior chamber with the body portion housing the spiral antenna located outside of the anterior chamber in a sub-scleral space to disperse the aqueous humour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: iSTAR Medical
    Inventors: Andrew J. Marshall, Max G. Maginness, Michel Alvarez
  • Patent number: 8317701
    Abstract: A device and method are presented for use in non-invasive measurement of a patient's intra-ocular pressure (IOP). The device comprises a probe unit comprising a flexible membrane which is to be brought into contact with a patient's eyelid thereby enabling a contacting region of the membrane to match a shape of the eyelid defined by the shape of the patient's cornea. The device is configured to enable controllably varying application of force to the membrane against the eyelid and to enable illumination of the membrane at least within the contacting region thereof, the deformation of the illuminated membrane affecting detected light returned from the membrane, thereby enabling identification of a condition of applanation of a desired area of the membrane by identifying desired data indicative of the detected light and allowing the IOP measurement upon identifying said condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: A.T.I.- Advanced Medical Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Abraham Livne, Ilan Ron
  • Publication number: 20120289810
    Abstract: A bottom surface with an adhesion surface including a plurality of micro-protrusions, or an adhesive adhered to the bottom surface; a pressure monitoring device configured to measure intraocular pressure of an eye and generate a signal representing the measured pressure; and a transmitter configured to transmit the signal. The bottom surface is arranged to secure the sensor to: an outer surface of a conjunctiva for the eye without penetrating the conjunctiva; or an outer surface of a sclera for the eye without penetrating the sclera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy J. Ehrecke
  • Publication number: 20120277568
    Abstract: A wireless intraocular pressure monitoring device includes a sensor unit and a reader unit. The sensor unit includes: a soft contact lens for wearing on a cornea such that a curvature of the soft contact lens corresponds substantially to that of the cornea; an inductor embedded in the soft contact lens and having an inductance that corresponds to intraocular pressure when the soft contact lens is worn on the cornea; and a wireless transceiver module operable to generate an oscillation signal having a frequency dependent on the inductance of the inductor and to wirelessly transmit the oscillation signal. The reader unit is operable to receive and convert the oscillation signal into an output signal corresponding to the intraocular pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Jin-Chern Chiou, Chien-Kai Tseng
  • Patent number: 8295920
    Abstract: A sensor device for detecting a change fluid level within body tissue comprising a housing with bridge segments connecting at intersections arranged to circumscribe an opening. Further, antenna elements are partially seated within the housing at intersections of bridge segments, comprise a generally planar antenna mounted to a substrate material at a base of the planar antenna, and an electrical shield surrounding the substrate. Also, an outer surface of the planar antenna faces away from the substrate. The antenna elements comprise at least first and second antenna element pairs having transmitting and receiving antenna elements and a bridging segment. A high sensitivity zone is formed between the transmitting antenna and receiving antenna. The antenna element pairs are spaced to create an area of reduced sensitivity between the high sensitivity zones, and the space is set so that the sensor is insensitive to fluid changes of a predetermined volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad E. Bouton, Felicia R. Ruggeri, R. Reade Harpham, Jeffrey R. Held
  • Publication number: 20120259195
    Abstract: The invention discloses a trabecular stent and methods for treating glaucoma. The stent may incorporate an intraocular pressure sensor comprising a compressible element that is implanted inside an anterior chamber of an eye, wherein at least one external dimension of the element correlates with intraocular pressure. In some embodiments, the sensor may be coupled to the stent. Also disclosed are methods of delivery of the stent and the sensor to the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Dose Medical Corporation
    Inventors: David S. Haffner, Hosheng Tu, Morteza Gharib
  • Publication number: 20120253165
    Abstract: An intraocular pressure detecting device includes an image capturing unit, a processor, and a pressure detection unit. The image capturing unit, coupled to the image capturing unit, is capable of acquiring an eye image. According to the eye image, the processor can determine an intraocular pressure detection area. After the pressure detection unit detects the intraocular pressure detection area, the intraocular pressure is calculated by the processor of the intraocular pressure detecting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Meng-Shin YEN, William Wang, Chung-Cheng Chou
  • Publication number: 20120238857
    Abstract: Implantable pressure sensors provide for the direct measurement of IOP, for example following cataract surgery. The implantable sensors can couple to the capsule, for example separately from an IOL (intraocular lens), such that the sensor can be used with many commercially available IOLs. The surgeon can identify an IOL appropriate for the patient and place the implantable sensor when the patient has been identified as having glaucoma or at risk for glaucoma. The implantable sensor device can be implanted during IOL surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: ORTHOMEMS, Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon G. WONG, Douglas A. LEE
  • Publication number: 20120226132
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measurement of IOP following glaucoma surgery comprise an implant device having a pressure sensitive capacitor and coil sized for placement along the tissue drainage path, to monitor the success of the surgery and measure IOP directly. The implantable sensor device may comprise a MEMS based capacitive pressure sensor and coil. A complaint material is disposed over the pressure sensitive capacitor and coil to conform with tissue to further decrease invasiveness and such that the implant can measure pressure from at least a first side and a second side when positioned along the drainage path. The implant can work well with trabeculectomies and trabeculotomies, and can be positioned on the sclera at a location corresponding to the bleb, such that the effectiveness of the surgery and medication can be determined postoperatively to detect pressure changes and elevations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: OrthoMEMS, Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon G. Wong, Douglas A. Lee
  • Publication number: 20120226133
    Abstract: An implantable device for measuring IOP comprises a distal portion, a proximal portion and a conformable elongate support extending between the distal portion and the proximal portion. The distal portion comprises a pressure sensor, for example a capacitor, and the proximal portion comprises a coil. The conformable elongate support extends between the distal portion and the coil so as to couple the distal portion to the coil, and the conformable elongate support is sized to position the sensor in the anterior chamber when the proximal portion is positioned under a conjunctiva of the eye. Positioning of the pressure sensor in the anterior chamber has the benefit of readily accessible surgical access and a direct measurement of the IOP of the eye. The proximal portion comprising the coil can be configured to place the coil between the sclera and the conjunctiva, such that the invasiveness of the surgery can be decreased substantially.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: OrthoMEMS, Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon G. Wong, Douglas A. Lee
  • Publication number: 20120197101
    Abstract: The invention concerns a system of measuring ocular pressure, consisting of at least one implant (30) including a pressure sensor (33) and an electronic circuit (32), implanted in the cornea of an eye and an antenna (31) connected to the said circuit and implanted in the sub-conjunctival space; and a unit (50) for processing the representative values of the pressure, received by a radio-frequency link from the said electronic circuit (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Alain Telandro
  • Publication number: 20120197102
    Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical microscope comprises: an observation optical system for observing a patient's eye during surgery; a corneal shape measuring unit for measuring a corneal shape of the patient's eye placed in a surgical position; and a controller configured to output guide information for guiding a surgery with an intraocular lens based on a measurement result obtained by the corneal shape measuring unit to an output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: NIDEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaaki HANEBUCHI, Michihiro TAKII, Masakazu ENDO, Tsutomu SUNADA
  • Patent number: 8206333
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ocular implant, particularly a glaucoma stent. It is the object of the present invention to devise an ocular implant which allows the ocular eye pressure to be regulated, i.e., to be maintained at a desired level, while preventing the flow resistance from increasing over time, for example due to fibrosis. In order to achieve this object, the ocular implant according to the invention comprises a small tube (5), the wall surface (3) of which encloses a hollow duct that is open on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the hollow duct, wherein a first opening (1) allowing ocular humor to flow in and a second opening (2) allowing the ocular humor to be discharged is provided, and wherein the wall surface (3) is formed by a liquid-tight material, and wherein at least one pressure-controlled valve (4) is disposed in the area of the wall surface (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Universitaet Rostock
    Inventors: Wolfram Schmidt, Katrin Sternberg, Detlef Behrend, Rudolf Guthoff, Klaus-Peter Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20120143035
    Abstract: A system and method for predicting the onset of glaucoma uses a Finite Element Model (FEM) to obtain a response profile of the Optical Nerve Head (ONH) inside an eye. To do this, the FEM is programmed with data from first and second images of the ONH that are respectively taken at the beginning and the end of an imposed pressure differential (e.g. over a range of about 8 kPa). The FEM is then subjected to a sequence of pressure increments and the resultant profile is compared with empirical data to predict an onset of glaucoma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Heidelberg Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Josef F. Bille
  • Patent number: 8182435
    Abstract: An implantable intraocular pressure sensor system has a sealed geometric shape with an internal pressure at a first value. A strain gauge wire is embedded in a surface of the sealed geometric shape. When the surface is deflected by intraocular pressure, a measured resistance of the strain gauge wire indicates the intraocular pressure. The system also has a processor coupled to a power source and memory. The processor is configured to read the measured resistance and write values corresponding to intraocular pressure to the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruno Dacquay, Matthew J. A. Rickard
  • Patent number: 8142364
    Abstract: The invention discloses a trabecular stent and methods for treating glaucoma. The stent may incorporate an intraocular pressure sensor comprising a compressible element that is implanted inside an anterior chamber of an eye, wherein at least one external dimension of the element correlates with intraocular pressure. In some embodiments, the sensor may be coupled to the stent. Also disclosed are methods of delivery of the stent and the sensor to the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Dose Medical Corporation
    Inventors: David S Haffner, Hosheng Tu, Morteza Gharib
  • Patent number: 8137271
    Abstract: A system and method for predicting the onset of glaucoma uses a Finite Element Model (FEM) to obtain a response profile of the Optical Nerve Head (ONH) inside an eye. To do this, the FEM is programmed with data from first and second images of the ONH that are respectively taken at the beginning and the end of an imposed pressure differential (e.g. over a range of about 8 kPa). The FEM is then subjected to a sequence of pressure increments and the resultant profile is compared with empirical data to predict an onset of glaucoma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Heidelberg Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Josef F. Bille
  • Patent number: 8123687
    Abstract: An implantable intraocular pressure sensor system has a sealed geometric shape with an internal pressure at a first value. The sealed geometric shape has a first light permitting surface and a second flexible surface. A pair of photocells is located in the sealed geometric shape. A light shield is coupled to the second flexible surface. When the second flexible surface is deflected, a light measurement by the pair of photocells indicates an intraocular pressure condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruno Dacquay, Matthew J. A. Rickard
  • Publication number: 20120041552
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for measuring pressure and/or for quantitative or qualitative measurement of analytes within the eye or elsewhere in the body. Optical pressure sensors and/or optical analyte sensors are implanted in the body and light is cast from an extracorporeal light source, though the cornea, conjunctiva or dermis, and onto a reflective element located within each pressure sensor or analyte sensor. The position or configuration of each sensor's reflective element varies with pressure or analyte concentration. Thus, the reflectance spectra of light reflected by the sensors' reflective elements will vary with changes in pressure or changes in analyte concentration. A spectrometer or other suitable instrument is used to process and analyze the reflectance spectra of the reflected light, thereby obtaining an indication of pressure or analyte concentration adjacent to the sensor(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Roy S. Chuck, George Baerveldt, Jim-Son Chou
  • Publication number: 20120004528
    Abstract: An exemplary implantable sensor includes a housing that generally conforms to a curvature of an anterior chamber of a patient's eye. A sensing device disposed in the housing is configured to detect physiological parameters and transmit a signal representing the physiological parameters. The exemplary sensor may be used to detect physiological parameters such as intraocular pressure, flow velocity of aqueous humor, blood sugar, and blood biochemicals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventors: Bing Li, Marsha A. McLaughlin, Yin Yang
  • Publication number: 20110288396
    Abstract: A Device which enables a person to see for himself changes in Intra Ocular Pressure when he looks at his eye in the Mirror, in the routine course of everyday, as every one likes to see his Own face and eyes in the Mirror everyday. The device being Tiny and inserted surgically with minimum incision between Iris and Cornea, enables early indication of IOP in people with high risk of Glaucoma due to high blood pressure and genetic reasons and old age, the early indication enabling timely treatment before retinal damage. The device works on pattern changes due to pressure change which is compared with fixed background pattern and changes in spacing between lines of Diffraction grating and Hologram leading to colour changes due to interference effect of light. Mirror with an area of concave surface and Magnifying device along with comparison Chart enables proper monitoring of drug efficacy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Sundaraja Sitaram Iyengar, Ashwin Kumar Krishna Prasad, Veneeth Iyengar, Panduranga Revankar Krishna Prasad
  • Publication number: 20110288395
    Abstract: A non-invasive device adapted to measure intraocular pressure (IOP) comprising: a pressure sensor mounted on a soft contact lens to be worn on the eye of a subject, wherein the device is adapted such that, when worn on the eye, the pressure sensor is located at or near the transitional region of the cornea. The pressure sensor communicates wirelessly to an external controlling device through a magnetic field-based telemetry system that serves to power the pressure sensor and transmit the pressure measurements to the external device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: University of Dundee
    Inventors: Ahmed Elsheikh, David Pye
  • Publication number: 20110275923
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for subjecting a patient to an slit lamp microscopy and/or Goldmann tonometry eye examination are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the patient is in a side-lying down position at a time of the examination. In some embodiments, it is possible to examine an upper and/or lower eye—for example, a lower eye slightly above a supporting surface. Related apparatus are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a bed and/or a headrest and/or a face immobilization assembly are disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Yosef Glovinsky, Vadim Shmukler, Ilia Piven
  • Publication number: 20110184271
    Abstract: The invention is characterized in that it comprises a truncated contact lens (1), whose truncation plane is parallel to the base of said contact lens, and a polymeric nanocomposite material (2) centrally disposed and attached to the perimeter of the truncated area, said material being sensitive to pressure changes, biocompatible and transparent, and including contact electrodes (3), and in that it also comprises means for transmitting IOP measurement data to an external system. The invention also relates to a method for measuring IOP using said lens comprising: i) placing said sensor contact lens in the eye to determine its intraocular pressure; ii) providing a direct current value between external electrodes; iii) ?V measurement between internal electrodes; and iv) identifying whether the value obtained is outside the linear response, expressed in changes of resistivity, of the polymeric nanocomposite material. The invention also relates to a telemetry system comprising said lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Jaume Veciana, Concepió Rovira, Marta Mas-Torrent, Rosa Villa Sanz, Jordi Aguiló Llobet, José Carlos Pastor, Fernando Ussa, Elena Laukhina, Vladimer Laukhin, Raúl Martin Herranz, Antón Guimera
  • Patent number: 7972284
    Abstract: A method of preventing nerve damage positional injury during surgery includes providing a nerve damage positional injury pressure monitoring system including a site sensor with a transducer in the form of a transducer element and a ring extending outward from the transducer element, and a monitor connected to the site sensor; adhering the ring of the site sensor to the patient so that the transducer element forms a protective barrier in front of the area of the patient prone to nerve damage positional injury during surgery; using the system to continuously monitor pressure on the protective barrier formed by the transducer element in front of the area of the patient prone to nerve damage positional injury during surgery with the site sensor and monitor; and causing an alarm to be actuated to alert medical personnel of a pressure condition when monitored pressure is greater than a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventors: Joseph C. Mallinger, Raymond I. Linovitz, Arthur C. Perry
  • Publication number: 20110160561
    Abstract: A system for determination of intraocular pressure includes: an intraocular pressure sensor; a light source illuminating the sensor with one or more wavelengths of light; and a detector that measures emitted light from the sensor. The sensor includes a substrate member, a spacer member, and a flexible membrane, which define a sealed cavity. The flexible membrane moves in response to intraocular pressure changes. A device for measuring intraocular pressure includes: the sensor; an anchoring member attached to the sensor for immobilizing the sensor in an eye; and a protective member attached to the anchoring member and covering the sensor to prevent contact between the flexible membrane and the eye. A method for determination of intraocular pressure includes: placing the sensor in an eye; illuminating, with a light source, the sensor with one or more wavelengths of light; and detecting, with a detector, a resultant light that contains information about intraocular pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicants: BROCKMAN HOLDINGS LLC, THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey Todd Hastings, E. Britt Brockman, Ingrid L. St. Omer, John C. Wright
  • Publication number: 20110160560
    Abstract: An implantable pressure sensor system having a sensor assembly configured and adapted to measure pressure in a volume, the sensor assembly including at least a first MEMS pressure sensor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) having memory means, temperature compensation system, drift compensation system, and power supply means for powering the sensor assembly, the first MEMS pressure sensor having a pressure sensing element that is responsive to exposed pressure, the pressure sensing element being adapted to generate a pressure sensor signal representative of the exposed pressure, the temperature compensation system being adapted to correct for temperature induced variations in the pressure sensor signal, the drift compensation system being adapted to correct for pressure and temperature induced pressure sensor signal drift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Robert T. Stone
  • Patent number: 7959570
    Abstract: A system for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) of an eye, comprising a plurality of force sensors that are adapted to contact a surface of an eye, means for measuring the forces exerted on the force sensors when in contact with the eye surface, and processing means that is adapted to receive the measured forces and determine IOP of the eye as a function of the measured forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventors: Eniko Todorov Enikov, Gholam Peyman
  • Patent number: 7948380
    Abstract: A remote sensing device includes a plurality of components arranged to form a resonant electrical circuit. The plurality of components includes at least one sensing component having sensing elements distributed among regions of an area of interest. The sensing elements are arranged so that a resonant characteristic of the resonant circuit is modifiable by an external event affecting an element associated with a region. The sensing component may be a capacitor having spatially distributed capacitive elements or an inductor having spatially distributed inductive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David W. Kuhns, M. Benton Free
  • Patent number: 7935058
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for characterizing biomechanical properties of tissue within an eye. A perturbation component introduces a stress to the eye tissue. An imaging component is operative to obtain an image of the eye tissue. A first image of the tissue can be obtained prior to the introduction of the stress and a second image of the tissue can be obtained after the introduction of the stress. An image analysis component compares the first image and the second image as to determine at least one biomechanical property of the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventors: William J. Dupps, Jr., Andrew M. Rollins, Matthew Ford
  • Publication number: 20110071505
    Abstract: An intraocular pressure sensor system has a first pressure sensor located in an anterior chamber of an eye and a remote pressure sensor located remotely from the first pressure sensor. The remote pressure sensor measures or approximates atmospheric pressure. A difference between readings from the first pressure sensor and the remote pressure sensor approximates intraocular pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Matthew Rickard, Robert Sanchez, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110060208
    Abstract: A non-contact tonometer for measuring the intra-ocular pressure of an eye, projecting light into the eye and measuring the reflected light as affected by mechanical distortion. The cornea is distorted by delivering a pneumatic pulse. The tonometer consists mainly of an electro-optical unit mountable on the head of a user and a control unit. The control unit of the tonometer includes a display and optionally an audio device for instructing the user. The electro-optical unit employs a tubular wave guide, a light detector, and a reflector for deflecting a light beam to the eye and for eliminating a part of the reflected light reaching the detector. The aligning of the tonometer with the head of the user is optionally assisted by a reticle observed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2004
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Joshua Gur
  • Patent number: 7871378
    Abstract: This invention is a system, an apparatus and a method for measuring biomechanical properties of cornea and the intraocular pressure in vivo. More than one dimensional topographic information of the cornea is recorded and analyzed before and during the fluid discharge and converted to the stress-strain relationship and other cornea parameters, for example the cornea thickness and radius of curvature, etc. The deformation of cornea is initiated by a non-contact fluid discharge whose profile is predetermined and monitored in real time. Utilizing this non-contact topographer, the true intraocular pressure can be derived from the response of the cornea due to the impact of fluid discharge and the corneal topographic parameters. One embodiment of this invention includes the use of a multiple color strobe light/multiple detector system to record the corneal topographic deformation due to the impact of fluid discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Achevé Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim-Son Chou, Steven Scott Heinold, George Bryant Ismael, Richard Arnold Moore
  • Publication number: 20100286498
    Abstract: An implantable intraocular pressure sensor system has a sealed geometric shape with an internal pressure at a first value. The sealed geometric shape has a first light permitting surface and a second flexible surface. A pair of photocells is located in the sealed geometric shape. A light shield is coupled to the second flexible surface. When the second flexible surface is deflected, a light measurement by the pair of photocells indicates an intraocular pressure condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Bruno Dacquay, Matthew J. A. Rickard
  • Publication number: 20100280349
    Abstract: An implantable intraocular pressure sensor system has a sealed geometric shape with an internal pressure at a first value. A strain gauge wire is embedded in a surface of the sealed geometric shape. When the surface is deflected by intraocular pressure, a measured resistance of the strain gauge wire indicates the intraocular pressure. The system also has a processor coupled to a power source and memory. The processor is configured to read the measured resistance and write values corresponding to intraocular pressure to the memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Bruno Dacquay, Matthew J. A. Rickard
  • Patent number: 7798962
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring corneal resistance to deformation use an empirically derived function wherein an inward applanation pressure P1 and an outward applanation pressure P2 obtained during a corneal deformation cycle caused by a fluid pulse are separately weighted so as to minimize dependence of the calculated corneal resistance factor (CRF) on intraocular pressure. In one embodiment, the function is optimized, at least in part, to maximize statistical correlation between the calculated corneal resistance factor (CRF) and central corneal thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Reichert, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Luce
  • Publication number: 20100234717
    Abstract: An intraocular pressure monitoring device comprises a soft contact lens (1) such as a silicone contact lens and an active strain gage (2) fixed to the contact lens (1), the active strain gage (2) being placed at a distance from the center (C) of the contact lens and being not in direct contact with the eye, wherein the active strain gage comprises a polygonal portion situated around the center (C) of the contact lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: SENSIMED AG
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Wismer
  • Publication number: 20100228114
    Abstract: A system and method for predicting the onset of glaucoma uses a Finite Element Model (FEM) to obtain a response profile of the Optical Nerve Head (ONH) inside an eye. To do this, the FEM is programmed with data from first and second images of the ONH that are respectively taken at the beginning and the end of an imposed pressure differential (e.g. over a range of about 8 kPa). The FEM is then subjected to a sequence of pressure increments and the resultant profile is compared with empirical data to predict an onset of glaucoma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Josef F. Bille
  • Patent number: 7771353
    Abstract: Tear film is measured without contacting the eye by comparing reflectance from the eye when the tear film is undisturbed with reflectance from the eye when the when the tear film is disturbed. If the reflectance levels differ somewhat, it is an indication that a healthy tear film exhibiting good specular reflection was present initially and was disturbed by the air pulse. However, if the reflectance levels are close to one another, it is an indication that a less-than-normal tear film was present initially (dry eye). In a described embodiment, tear film is disturbed by an air pulse directed at the eye, and a photosensitive detector is positioned to receive light from an illumination beam after the beam is reflected by the eye to generate a reflectance signal. The reflectance signal is evaluated to calculate a tear film index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Reichert, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Luce
  • Publication number: 20100137694
    Abstract: A system is provided for the packaging of wireless electronics in a mammalian body, the system comprising: a package configured in a shape suitable for implantation in that body; the package being configured from a biocompatible material; and that biocompatible material having a high degree of radio wave transparency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Pedro P. Irazoqui, Arthur Chlebowski, Casey Ellison, William J. Chappell
  • Patent number: 7713197
    Abstract: A tonometry device includes a contact device for contacting the object, means for vibrating the contact device and the object, means for applying a voltage to the vibration means, means for measuring a current flowing through the vibration means, and an information processing means. The information processing means determines two resonance points of the device and the measured object by measuring current through the system at a plurality of vibrational frequencies. The information processing means then determines the internal pressure of the object by determining that a first pressure is higher than a second pressure by determining that the first pressure has a lower measured current than the second pressure at frequencies outside of the range of frequencies between the resonance points, and that the first pressure has a higher measured current than the second pressure at frequencies within the range of frequencies between the resonance points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignees: Waseda University, Kowa Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Nakai, Sunao Takeda, Akihiko Uchiyama, Kenji Yanashima, Akihiro Fujita, Itaru Yoshizawa
  • Publication number: 20100106073
    Abstract: The invention discloses a trabecular stent and methods for treating glaucoma. The stent may incorporate an intraocular pressure sensor comprising a compressible element that is implanted inside an anterior chamber of an eye, wherein at least one external dimension of the element correlates with intraocular pressure. In some embodiments, the sensor may be coupled to the stent. Also disclosed are methods of delivery of the stent and the sensor to the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: GLAUKOS CORPORATION
    Inventors: David S. Haffner, Hosheng Tu, Morteza Gharib
  • Patent number: 7684600
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for appropriately calculating 3D volume of cerebral hemorrhage lesion. The present invention sets a ROI for normal cerebral parenchymal region and a ROI for cerebral hemorrhage lesion respectively for a plurality of continuous slice images obtained by imaging the head having cerebral hemorrhage onset with an X-ray CT device, determines a mean value of the CT values of pixels within the ROI of normal cerebral parenchymal region for each of a plurality of images, then determines an amount of shift of mean values of images based on the mean value of one image, adjusts the CT value of pixels in the ROI of cerebral hemorrhage lesion for each image by using the amount of shift for each image, specifies the maximum value of the adjusted CT value through a plurality of images, and then calculates the 3D volume of the cerebral hemorrhage lesion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventor: Xueli Wang
  • Patent number: 7678065
    Abstract: The invention discloses a trabecular stent and methods for treating glaucoma. The stent may incorporate an intraocular pressure sensor comprising a compressible element that is implanted inside an anterior chamber of an eye, wherein at least one external dimension of the element correlates with intraocular pressure. In some embodiments, the sensor may be coupled to the stent. Also disclosed are methods of delivery of the stent and the sensor to the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Glaukos Corporation
    Inventors: David S. Haffner, Hosheng Tu, Morteza Gharib
  • Publication number: 20100056935
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring optic function is provided. The apparatus and method relies on two principle modes of measuring the function of the optic nerve, namely, monitoring VEPs for neural function, and monitoring at least one additional parameter of optic function such as intraocular pressure, blood flow or location of the eye to provide a multi-variable optic function monitor. The method and apparatus is proposed for the use to diagnose and potentially prevent the incidence of POVL and anaesthesia awareness in patients during medical procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Laurence M. McKinley, Donald Bernstein, Ricardo Bravo
  • Patent number: 7654957
    Abstract: Utilization of a contact device placed on the eye in order to detect physical and chemical parameters of the body as well as the non-invasive delivery of compounds according to these physical and chemical parameters, with signals being transmitted continuously as electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared and the like. One of the parameters to be detected includes non-invasive blood analysis utilizing chemical changes and chemical products that are found in the conjunctiva and in the tear film. A transensor mounted in the contact device laying on the cornea or the surface of the eye is capable of evaluating and measuring physical and chemical parameters in the eye including non-invasive blood analysis. The system utilizes eye lid motion and/or closure of the eye lid to activate a microminiature radio frequency sensitive transensor mounted in the contact device. The signal can be communicated by wires or radio telemetered to an externally placed receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Marcio Marc Abreu
  • Publication number: 20100016704
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium are provided which monitor a condition of an eye. The system includes a communication interface and a processor operably coupled to the communication interface. The communication interface is configured to receive an intraocular pressure measurement datum and a time datum associated with the time the intraocular pressure measurement was measured using an eye measurement system. The processor is configured to receive the intraocular pressure measurement datum and the time datum, to receive a dispensed amount datum associated with an amount of a drug administered to an eye of a user and a second time datum associated with the time the drug was administered, and to store the received intraocular pressure measurement datum, the received time datum, the received dispensed amount datum, and the received second time datum to monitor a condition of the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: John F. Naber, Douglas J. Jackson, Henry J. Kaplan, Julia Aebersold, Kevin Walsh, Robert S. Keynton, Thomas Roussel, Paul van der Pol