US Patent 9393153 Methods for intraocular shunt placement

Intraocular pressure can be reduced by insertion of an intraocular shunt in the eye such that it forms a drainage pathway between the anterior chamber and a region of lower pressure. A hollow shaft can be advanced through the anterior chamber with the hollow shaft (a) having a beveled tip at a distal end of the hollow shaft and (b) holding an intraocular shunt with a proximal end of the shunt within the hollow shaft. The sclera can be penetrated with the hollow shaft. A beveled surface of the beveled tip can be oriented such that the beveled surface faces toward the Tenon's capsule when the beveled tip passes out of the sclera. After the beveled tip passes out of the sclera, at least a portion of the shunt can be advanced from the hollow shaft.