Image provided by Hyowon (Hugh) Lee

Purdue University researchers have developed a smart glaucoma drainage device which clears biofouling. It can also vary flow resistance so treatment can be customised for each patient at different stages of glaucoma, as varying degrees of pressure build up inside the eye, they say.

Implantable glaucoma drainage devices have grown in popularity over the past years, but only half of the devices are still operational after five years because microorganisms accumulate on the device during and after implantation. This problem is known as biofouling.

The Perdue device is built with microactuators that vibrate when a magnetic field is introduced. The vibrations shake loose the biomaterials that have built up in the tube.

“We can introduce the magnetic field from outside the body at any time to essentially give the device a refresh,” said biomechanical engineering assistant professor Hugh Lee, who led the research. “Our on-demand technology allows for a more reliable, safe and effective implant for treating glaucoma. It is able to clear itself of harmful bio-buildup. This is a giant leap toward personalised medicine.”

Researchers are working to patent the technology and are looking for partners to license it.