An Implantable Intraocular Pressure Control System - Phase II

DESCRIPTION provided by applicant Glaucoma a widespread chronic disease is a leading cause of blindness and is related to the death of retinal ganglionic cells In the most prevalent form of glaucoma primary open angle glaucoma POAG increased intraocular pressure IOP is the most common risk factor associated with the loss of retinal cells Results from large clinical trials indicate that decreasing IOP in glaucoma patients delays the development of vision loss Even glaucoma patients with IOPs in the normal range benefit from decreasing their IOP Currently numerous pharmacological and surgical approaches are employed to reduce IOP in glaucoma patients However drug treated patients are frequently noncompliant refractory and or suffer from adverse effects Current surgical implants are passive devices unable to detect or respond to changes in IOP and frequently fail With either approach a patient office visit is required for the physician to manually verify IOP control by tonometry We propose to create an implant capable of both sensing IOP and regulating it through opening and closing a miniature valve The implantandapos s power supply will be self contained with a transceiver capable of sending and receiving external commands In its final form the implant will monitor and regulate IOP and be capable of recording and sending IOP data and information concerning valve function to the physician and or patient via a digital device such as a PC The three specific measurable objectives for Phase II are to Design and fabricate a miniature twin magnetic stop electromagnetic valve with accompanying telemetry and data acquisition system Perform short and long term in vitro tests of the valve to demonstrate detection response and control of IOP in the normal and pathological pressure ranges Implant the valve and test it both acutely and chronically on conscious active normal IOP rabbits to determine safety and efficacy PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE Glaucoma a wide spread ocular disease is associated with pressure increases inside the eye and if left untreated causes blindness We will create an electronically controlled valve and pressure recorder to be placed in the eye that will reduce this pressure and preserve sight as well as continually inform the physician of the eye pressure and proper functioning of the valve