# US 2014/0155803 A1 · Ocular implant with fluid outflow pathways having microporous membranes

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- Number: US 2014/0155803 A1
- Document ID: US20140155803A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 13/898,303
- Filed: 2013-05-20
- Published: 2014-06-05
- Earliest claimed: 2010-06-09
- Assignees: Transcend Medical, Inc.
- Applicants: Transcend Medical Inc.
- Inventors: Thomas A. Silvestrini
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140155803A1

## CPC

- A61F 9/00781: {Apparatus for modifying intraocular pressure, e.g. for glaucoma treatment (drainage implants in general A61M27/002)}
- A61F: FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS (dental prosthetics A61C)

## 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 include reversibly deformable portions that have a plurality of openings layered, covered or otherwise spanned by an elastomeric film or membrane having micropores. The micropores allow for fluid flow out of the implant while inhibit cellular infiltration and blockage of the openings.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An ocular implant, comprising:
an elongate member having a flow pathway; at least one inflow port communicating with the flow pathway; and a plurality of outflow openings communicating with the flow pathway, wherein the outflow openings are spanned by an elastomeric membrane having a plurality of pores in fluid communication with the flow pathway;
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 openings communicate with the suprachoroidal space.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The implant of claim 1, wherein the elongate member further comprises a braided structure comprising a plurality of interwoven struts.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The implant of claim 2, wherein the braided structure is adapted to transition between a first shape when in tension and a second shape upon release of tension.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The implant of claim 2, wherein the outflow openings comprise gaps between the plurality of interwoven struts.

### Claim 5 (depends on 2)

The implant of claim 2, wherein the elastomeric membrane spanning the outflow openings additionally surrounds each of the interwoven struts.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The implant of claim 5, wherein the elastomeric membrane surrounding each of the interwoven struts expands and contracts upon movement of the interwoven struts.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The implant of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric membrane comprises a material selected from the group comprising polyurethane, silicone, Lycra, and Hytrel.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The implant of claim 1, wherein each of the pores are sized to achieve aqueous fluid flow through the outflow openings and substantially prevent passage of material into the outflow openings.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The implant of claim 1, wherein each of the pores have a diameter that is less than 1 micron.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The implant of claim 9, wherein each of the pores have a diameter between about 0.1 microns to 0.8 microns.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The implant of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric membrane has a pore density between about 1 pore per square micron to 10 pores per square micron.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The implant of claim 1, further comprising a second membrane coating the elastomeric membrane.

### Claim 13 (depends on 12)

The implant of claim 12, wherein the second membrane comprises Hydrogel.

### Claim 14 (depends on 12)

The implant of claim 12, wherein the second membrane comprises fibers spanning the pores.

### Claim 15 (depends on 12)

The implant of claim 12, wherein the second membrane spans at least a portion of each of the plurality of pores in the elastomeric membrane.