Sutureless, implantable fluid shunting devices and associated methods for
controlling the pressure of fluids within anatomical spaces or cavities
of the body. The device generally comprises a tube having a diffusion
barrier (e.g., diffusion chamber) formed on a proximal end thereof. Fluid
which flows through the tube will collect within the diffusion chamber
and will diffuse outwardly therethrough. However, the presence of the
diffusion chamber will prevent microbes, cells or other matter from
interfering with or backflowing through the tube. Additionally, the tube
may be provided with a pressure-openable aperture through which fluid
from the tube may flow into the diffusion chamber. Such pressure-openable
aperture will remain closed, until the pressure of fluid within the tube
exceeds a predetermined maximum pressure P.sub.MAX. In this manner, the
pressure-openable aperture will limit the amount of fluid drained from
the anatomical space or cavity of the body, thereby avoiding hypotony
within such anatomical space or cavity. The diffusion barrier of the
device is preferably configured to fit between, and to be engaged by,
adjacent recti muscles of the eye. Such engagement of the diffusion
barrier with the adjacent recti muscles serves to prevent unwanted
migration or post-implantation movement of the device, without the need
for suturing of the device to the tissue of the eye.