摘要
The key risk factor for glaucoma is increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Glaucoma drainage devices implanted in theeye can reduce IOP and thus stop disease progression. However, most devices currently used in clinical practice arepassive and do not allow for postsurgical IOP control, which may result in serious complications such as hypotony (i.e.,excessively low IOP). To enable noninvasive IOP control, we demonstrate a novel, miniature glaucoma implant that willenable the repeated adjustment of the hydrodynamic resistance after implantation. This is achieved by integrating amagnetic microvalve containing a micropencil-shaped plug that is moved using an external magnet, thereby openingor closing fluidic channels. The microplug is made from biocompatible poly(styrene-block-isobutylene-block-styrene)(SIBS) containing iron microparticles. The complete implant consists of an SIBS drainage tube and a housing elementcontaining the microvalve and fabricated with hot embossing using femtosecond laser-machined glass molds. Usingin vitro and ex vivo microfluidic experiments, we demonstrate that when the microvalve is closed, it can providesufficient hydrodynamic resistance to overcome hypotony. Valve function is repeatable and stable over time. Due to itssmall size, our implant is a promising, safe, easy-to-implant, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery device.
基金
This research was financially supported by the Chemelot Institute for Science&Technology(InSciTe)under grant agreement BM3.03 SEAMS。
