The SOLX® Gold Shunt – IOP Reduction without a BLEB

The SOLX® Gold Shunt is the first biocompatible, 24-karat gold implant that uses the eye's natural pressure differential (uveal scleral outflow) to reduce Intraocular Pressure (IOP) without a bleb.  It is approximately 3 mm wide, 6 mm long; it is about the thickness of a human hair. The Gold Shunt is a flat plate designed for implantation through a single micro-incision. It contains numerous micro-tubular channels that bridge the anterior chamber and the suprachoroidal space, controlling aqueous outflow to reduce IOP. The shunt is virtually undetectable by the patient and is intended to last indefinitely. 

The SOLX® Gold Shunt works by increasing aqueous outflow and reducing IOP.  Once inserted and positioned between the anterior chamber and suprachoroidal space, the SOLX® Gold Shunt creates a new fluid pathway by connecting these two spaces. Aqueous from the anterior chamber enters the ingress holes of the shunt (1), is directed through the internal micro-channels (2), and exits the shunt into the suprachoroidal space (3).  The eye's natural pressure gradient between the anterior chamber and the suprachoroidal space creates a constant flow of aqueous through the SOLX® Gold Shunt.

SOLX^® Gold Shunt Technical Specifications

Material	24-karat gold (99.95% Au)
Overall dimensions	5.2mm long × 3.2mm wide ×   44 or 68 µm thick
Channel dimensions	100 µm long × 24 or 48 µm tall ×   50 µm wide
Implant weight	6.2 mg
Flow-resistance	0.65-1.3 mmHg / µl per minute
Sterilization method	ETO
Usage	Single-use implant

 

 Interior View of SOLX^® Gold Shunt

  Function of SOLX^® Gold Shunt