Device and method for manual retinal vein catheterization
AssigneeThe Johns Hopkins University
InventorsMark S. Humayun, Patrick S. Jensen, Terry H. Shelley, Gildo Y. Fujii, Hany S. Hamza, Aaron C. Barnes, Eugene deJuan JR.
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Abstract
A microcatheter system that allows for vascular infusion into retinal veins for extended periods of time. The microcatheter system includes a flexible cannula that is inserted into the retinal vein lumen and that remains stably within the retinal vein lumen without being held by a robot, micromanipulator or similar holding devices. The microcatheter system is particularly suitable for the treatment of retinal venous occlusive disease.
Claims55
A microcatheter system for infusion of a solution into a retinal vein, wherein the microcatheter system remains within the retinal vein during the infusion without an external holding device for at least a period of time required for a bolus injection.
A microcatheter system comprising:
- a flexible cannula for insertion into a retinal vein lumen, whereby a solution is infused into the retinal vein lumen through the flexible cannula and the flexible cannula remains within the retinal vein lumen during the infusion without an external holding for at least a period of time required for a bolus injection.
A microcatheter system comprising:
- a flexible cannula for insertion into a retinal vein lumen, whereby a solution is infused into the retinal vein lumen through the flexible cannula and the flexible cannula remains within the retinal vein lumen during the infusion without an external holding device.
A method for manual retinal vein catheterization, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a microcatheter system comprising:
- a flexible cannula for insertion into a retinal vein, the flexible cannula having a proximal end and a distal end, and the distal end being sharp and rigid for puncturing the retinal vein;
- inserting the microcatheter system into the eye through an incision;
- positioning the microcatheter system so that the distal end of the flexible cannula is approximately parallel to the retinal vein;
- puncturing the retinal vein with the distal end of the flexible cannula and inserting the flexible cannula into the retinal vein;
- releasing the microcatheter system;
- infusing a solution into the retinal vein through the flexible cannula, whereby the solution is infused through the flexible cannula and the flexible cannula remains within the retinal vein during the infusion without an external holding device, for at least a period of time required for a bolus injection;
- and
- removing the cannula and microcatheter system from the retinal vein and from the eye.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.