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US 2010/0137981 A1Published application
Ocular implant with shape change capabilities
AssigneeTranscend Medical, Inc.
InventorsThomas A. Silvestrini, Steven John, Jose Garcia, Richard S. Lilly
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed are devices, methods and systems for treatment of eye disease such as glaucoma. Implants are described herein that enhance aqueous flow through the normal outflow system of the eye with minimal to no complications. The implant can be reversibly deformed to a first shape, such as a generally linear shape conducive to insertion. Upon insertion, the implant can deform to a second shape, such as a generally non-linear shape conducive to retention within the eye. The shape also improves fluid flow from the anterior chamber and prevents or reduces clogging.
Claims49
An ocular implant, comprising:
- an elongate member having a flow pathway, at least one inflow port communicating with the flow pathway, and an outflow port communicating with the flow pathway, wherein the elongate member includes a first portion formed of a braided structure and adapted to transition between a first shape when in tension and a second shape upon release of tension, and a second portion formed at least partially of a non-braided structure;
- wherein the elongate member is adapted to be positioned in the eye such that the inflow port communicates with the anterior chamber and the outflow port communicates with the suprachoroidal space.
An ocular implant, comprising:
- an elongate member having a flow pathway, at least one inflow port communicating with the flow pathway, and an outflow port communicating with the flow pathway, wherein at least a portion of the elongate member is adapted to reversibly deform between a first shape and a second shape upon release of tension;
- wherein the elongate member is adapted to be positioned in the eye such that the inflow port communicates with the anterior chamber and the outflow port communicates with the suprachoroidal space.
A method of implanting an ocular device into the eye, comprising:
- forming an incision in the cornea of the eye;
- inserting an implant through the incision into the anterior chamber of the eye while the implant is under tension wherein the tension maintains the implant in a first shape and wherein the implant has a fluid passageway;
- passing the implant along a pathway from the anterior chamber into the suprachoroidal space;
- positioning the implant in a first position such that a first portion of the fluid passageway communicates with the anterior chamber and a second portion of the fluid passageway communicates with the suprachoroidal space to provide a fluid passageway between the suprachoroidal space and the anterior chamber;
- and
- releasing the implant from tension wherein the release of tension permits the implant to transition to a second shape.
3 more elements
A method of implanting an ocular device into the eye, comprising:
- forming an incision in the cornea of the eye;
- loading on a delivery wire of a delivery device an implant having a fluid passageway, wherein the delivery wire is adapted to impose tension to deform at least a portion of the implant from a first shape conducive to retention within the suprachoroidal space into a second shape conducive to delivery;
- inserting the implant loaded on the delivery wire through the incision into the anterior chamber of the eye;
- passing the implant along a pathway from the anterior chamber into the suprachoroidal space;
- positioning the implant in a first position such that a first portion of the fluid passageway communicates with the anterior chamber and a second portion of the fluid passageway communicates with the suprachoroidal space to provide a fluid passageway between the suprachoroidal space and the anterior chamber;
- and
- releasing the implant from the delivery device wherein the release removes the tension and permits at least a portion of the implant to return to the first shape conducive to retention within the suprachoroidal space.
4 more elements
A system for treating an ocular disorder in a patient, comprising:
- an elongate member having a flow pathway, at least one inflow port communicating with the flow pathway, and an outflow port communicating with the flow pathway, wherein the elongate member includes a first portion formed of a braided structure and adapted to transition between a first shape when in tension and a second shape upon release of tension, and a second portion formed at least partially of a non-braided structure, wherein the elongate member is adapted to be positioned in the eye such that the inflow port communicates with the anterior chamber and the outflow port communicates with the suprachoroidal space;
- and
- a delivery device having a delivery component that removably attaches to the elongate member, wherein the delivery component is adapted to maintain the elongate member in tension.
A system for treating an ocular disorder in a patient, comprising:
- an elongate member having a flow pathway, at least one inflow port communicating with the flow pathway, and an outflow port communicating with the flow pathway, wherein at least a portion of the elongate member is adapted to reversibly deform between a first shape and a second shape, wherein the elongate member is adapted to be positioned in the eye such that the inflow port communicates with the anterior chamber and the outflow port communicates with the suprachoroidal space;
- and
- a delivery device having a delivery component that removably couples to the elongate member, wherein the delivery component is adapted to deform at least a portion of the elongate member into the first shape by imposing tension.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.