Back to results
US 2018/0021171 A1Published application
Nasolacrimal implants and related methods for tear stimulation
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate
InventorMalik Y. KAHOOK
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A device for inducing production of tears may include a body extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The body may be configured for insertion through a puncta of a subject. The device also may include a stimulus delivery mechanism positioned between the proximal end and the distal end and an induction coil operably coupled to the stimulus delivery mechanism. Further, the device may include an external controller wirelessly coupled to the induction coil for inductively transferring energy to the induction coil.
Claims13
1-30. (canceled)
31:
- A device for inducing tears in a subject, comprising:
- a body extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the body further including an expandable component configured to expand into conformity with the anatomical features of a lacrimal sac of the subject when the device is inserted therein;
- and
- a stimulus delivery mechanism positioned between the proximal end and the distal end.
1 more element
32:
- The device of claim 31, further comprising a power receptor disposed on or within the body.
33:
- The device of claim 32, wherein the power receptor is comprised of a photo-active material.
34:
- The device of claim 31, further including a sensor configured for sensing one or more of biochemical properties of tears, placement of the body, and operation of the stimulus delivery mechanism.
35:
- The device of claim 34, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a degree of conductivity in the lacrimal sac of the subject.
36:
- A method for inducing tears in a subject, comprising:
- positioning a portion of the stimulation delivery device in a nasolacrimal sac of the subject;
- and
- applying a stimulation signal to the nasolacrimal sac via the stimulation delivery device, the stimulation signal being received via a power receptor associated with the stimulation delivery device to induce tearing in the subject.
1 more element
37:
- The method of claim 36, wherein prior to the step of positioning a portion of the stimulation delivery device in a nasolacrimal sac of the subject, a stimulation delivery device is inserted through a nasolacrimal drainage system of the subject.
38:
- The method of claim 37, wherein the inserting step further comprises inserting the stimulation delivery device through a punctum or a nasolacrimal duct of the subject.
39:
- The method of claim 36, wherein the positioning step further includes activating an expandable component of the stimulation delivery device so that the expandable component expands into conformity with the anatomical features of the lacrimal sac.
40:
- The method of claim 36, wherein the subject is suffering from dry eye.
41:
- An introducer for inserting a stimulation delivery device in a nasolacrimal drainage system of subject, the stimulation delivery device including a body and a lumen, the introducer comprising:
- an elongate body configured to extend at least partially into the lumen of the body;
- wherein an end of introducer is configured to engage and temporarily couple with the distal end of the body of the stimulation delivery device;
- wherein manipulation of the introducer, when positioned in the lumen of the body, causes a diameter of the body to be reduced temporarily from a resting state diameter to a reduced caliber diameter;
- wherein after insertion of the body having a reduced caliber diameter, manipulation of the introducer causes the introducer to be removed from the lumen so that the body reassumes the resting state diameter.
2 more elements
42:
- A method for inserting a stimulation delivery device in a nasolacrimal drainage system of subject, the stimulation delivery device including a body and a lumen, the method comprising:
- inserting an introducer into the lumen of the body and manipulating the introducer to cause the body to transition from a resting state diameter to a reduced caliber diameter;
- inserting the stimulation delivery device, with the reduced caliber diameter, through a punctum of the subject;
- and
- removing the introducer from the lumen so that the body reassumes the resting state diameter.
2 more elements