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Abstract #48823 Published in IGR 14-1
Biodegradable Microfabricated Plug-Filters for Glaucoma Drainage Devices
Maleki T; Chitnis G; Park J; Cantor LB; Ziaie BIEEE Transactions on Bio-Medical Engineering 2012; 59: 1507-1513
We report on the development of a batch fabricated biodegradable truncated-cone shaped plug-filter to overcome the postoperative hypotony in non-valved glaucoma drainage devices (GDD). Plug-filters are composed of biodegradable polymers which disappear once wound healing and bleb formation has progressed past the stage where hypotony from over-filtration may cause complications in the human eye. The biodegradable nature of device eliminates the risks associated with permanent valves which may become blocked or influence the aqueous fluid flow rate in the long term. The plugfilter geometry simplifies its integration with commercial shunts. Aqueous humor outflow regulation is achieved by controlling the diameter of a laser-drilled through-hole. The batch compatible fabrication involves a modified SU-8 molding to achieve truncated cone-shaped pillars, PDMS micro-molding, and hotembossing of biodegradable polymers. The developed plug-filter is 500 ìm long with base and apex plane diameters of 500 ìm and 300 ìm, respectively, and incorporates a laser-drilled throughhole with 44 ìm effective diameter in the center.
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Classification:
11.16 Vehicles, delivery systems, pharmacokinetics, formulation (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)