US20060189919A1 - Ocular iontophoretic apparatus with handle - Google Patents
Ocular iontophoretic apparatus with handle Download PDFInfo
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- US20060189919A1 US20060189919A1 US11/406,657 US40665706A US2006189919A1 US 20060189919 A1 US20060189919 A1 US 20060189919A1 US 40665706 A US40665706 A US 40665706A US 2006189919 A1 US2006189919 A1 US 2006189919A1
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- eye
- handle
- medial
- straddling
- lateral
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
- A61N1/20—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes continuous direct currents
- A61N1/30—Apparatus for iontophoresis, i.e. transfer of media in ionic state by an electromotoric force into the body, or cataphoresis
- A61N1/303—Constructional details
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/02—Details
- A61N1/04—Electrodes
- A61N1/0404—Electrodes for external use
- A61N1/0408—Use-related aspects
- A61N1/0428—Specially adapted for iontophoresis, e.g. AC, DC or including drug reservoirs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
- A61N1/20—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes continuous direct currents
- A61N1/30—Apparatus for iontophoresis, i.e. transfer of media in ionic state by an electromotoric force into the body, or cataphoresis
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- 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
- A61F9/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the eyes; Devices for putting-in contact lenses; Devices to correct squinting; Apparatus to guide the blind; Protective devices for the eyes, carried on the body or in the hand
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/02—Details
- A61N1/04—Electrodes
- A61N1/0404—Electrodes for external use
- A61N1/0408—Use-related aspects
- A61N1/0428—Specially adapted for iontophoresis, e.g. AC, DC or including drug reservoirs
- A61N1/0432—Anode and cathode
- A61N1/044—Shape of the electrode
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/02—Details
- A61N1/04—Electrodes
- A61N1/0404—Electrodes for external use
- A61N1/0408—Use-related aspects
- A61N1/0428—Specially adapted for iontophoresis, e.g. AC, DC or including drug reservoirs
- A61N1/0448—Drug reservoir
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
- A61N1/20—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes continuous direct currents
- A61N1/30—Apparatus for iontophoresis, i.e. transfer of media in ionic state by an electromotoric force into the body, or cataphoresis
- A61N1/303—Constructional details
- A61N1/306—Arrangements where at least part of the apparatus is introduced into the body
Definitions
- the present invention is directed to ocular iontophoretic apparatuses, and more particularly, to a handle for an ocular iontophoretic apparatus (or ocular passive delivery apparatus) to facilitate the grasping, positioning and placement thereof, as well as a retaining member to facilitate the retention thereof in a desired orientation.
- ocular iontophoretic devices have been known in the art. Such devices have been used in an attempt to administer a drug through an electromotive force which drives ionic chemicals through the eye tissue so that they can be absorbed by adjacent tissues and blood vessels.
- a handle member which facilitates the grasping, positioning and placement of ocular iontophoretic apparatuses (or passive apparatus).
- the invention comprises an iontophoretic apparatus.
- the apparatus comprises a housing member, a current distribution member, a medicament containment member and a handle member.
- the current distribution member is associated with the housing member.
- the medicament containment member is associated with the current distribution member.
- the handle member is associated with the housing member.
- the handle member includes a lateral straddling member and a medial straddling member. The straddling members cooperate with the soft tissue of the eye to retain the apparatus in a desired orientation.
- the handle member comprises a first handle region and a second handle region extending outwardly from the handle member.
- the first and second handle regions are distally spaced apart a predetermined distance.
- the lateral straddling member is associated with the first handle region and the medial straddling member is associated with the second handle region.
- At least one of the first and second handle regions includes a gripping region.
- the gripping region facilitates the grasping of the handle region by a user.
- the straddling members have a width which is such that the opening and closing of an eye is substantially unobstructed.
- At least one of the straddling members includes a width which facilitates retention of an eyelid of a patient in an open position.
- At least one of the medial and lateral straddling members is substantially flexible so as to facilitate the biasing of the straddling members against respective soft tissue.
- the lateral straddling member is configured to straddle the region encompassed by the lateral angle.
- the medial straddling member is configured to straddle the region encompassed by the medial angle, the lacus lacrimalis and the caruncula lacrimalis.
- the invention comprises an ocular apparatus.
- the ocular apparatus is similar to the iontophoretic apparatus; however, the delivery of medicament or other fluid is not achieved by way of an electric current, rather, by way of passive delivery.
- Such an apparatus comprises a housing member, a medicament containment member associated with the housing and at least one of a lateral straddling member and a medial straddling member. The at least one straddling member cooperates with the soft tissue of the eye to retain the apparatus in a desired orientation.
- FIG. 1 of the drawings is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention showing, in particular, the apparatus placed upon an eye;
- FIG. 2 of the drawings is another perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention showing, in particular, the apparatus placed upon an eye;
- FIG. 3 of the drawings is a top plan view of the apparatus of the present invention showing, in particular, the apparatus placed upon an eye;
- FIG. 4 of the drawings is a front elevational view of an apparatus of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 of the drawings is a front elevational view of an apparatus of the present invention showing, in particular, application thereof within an eye;
- FIG. 6 of the drawings is a front elevational view of an apparatus of the present invention showing, in particular, application thereof within an eye.
- Iontophoretic apparatus 10 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as comprising housing member 12 , current distribution member 14 , medicament containment member 16 , handle member 18 .
- the housing member, the current distribution member and the medicament containment member are each described in detail in related U.S. Pat. No. 6,319,240 entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Ocular Iontophoresis,” the complete specification of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- the housing member includes outer surface 40 , first end 42 , second end 44 , upper region 45 and rim 47 .
- the housing comprises a plastic material which is molded into a desired configuration for the positioning thereof on the eye of a patient.
- the medicament containment member can be used to contain medicament, as well as other fluids (lubricating agent, wetting agent, etc.).
- the apparatus may comprise a passive delivery device which includes housing and a medicament containment member.
- a passive delivery device which includes housing and a medicament containment member.
- Such an embodiment has a similar appearance but does not include a current distribution member.
- the medicament is not driven through the surface of the eye; rather, the medicament (or other fluid to be delivered) is permitted to passively be absorbed by the eye.
- the handle and registration maintaining means described below can be adapted for use in association with other applications to the eye, such as, ERG, Electroretinography, among others.
- housing member 12 may be of any number of sizes and shapes.
- Various embodiments of the housing member may include various configurations depending on the medicament to be dispensed, as well as the specific shape of the soft tissue surrounding the eye of the patient, and the particular region of the eye to which it is to be applied (i.e. under the cornea, above the cornea, in the corners of the eye proximate the medial and lateral angles, etc).
- the handle member is not limited to any particular housing member configurations and may be used with a wide variety of such devices.
- the medicament that is retained in medicament containment member 16 for dispensing is not limited to any particular medicament, and virtually any medicament that can be applied iontophoretically through the eye can be used in association with the iontophoretic apparatus.
- Handle member 18 is shown primarily in FIGS. 1 and 2 as comprising first handle region 20 , second handle region 22 , means 24 for flexing the handle member, means 26 for limiting the flexing of the handle member and means 25 for maintaining registered placement of the apparatus.
- handle member 18 is co-molded with housing member 12 , however, it is likewise contemplated that the handle member may comprise a separate component which may be welded, adhered or otherwise joined to housing member 12 .
- the registration placement maintaining means 25 can comprise a separate structure which is associated with the housing or with the handle member.
- First handle region 20 of the handle member is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as including first end 46 , second end 48 and first gripping portion 50 .
- First end 46 is associated with outer surface 40 proximate first end 42 of the housing member.
- Second end 48 extends outwardly therefrom and in a direction which is generally away from second handle region 22 of the handle member.
- First gripping portion 50 is positioned proximate second end 48 of first handle region 20 .
- first gripping portion 50 comprises a region which is sized and shaped so as to promote the gripping thereof by a doctor or other professional during placement of the iontophoretic apparatus on the eye of a patient. As can be seen in FIGS.
- first gripping portion 50 is spaced apart from the housing member a distance sufficient to insure that the doctor can easily grip the gripping portion without inadvertently striking or touching the patient.
- second handle region 22 is substantially similar to first handle region 20 , and comprises first end 52 , second end 54 and second gripping portion 56 .
- Gripping portion 50 of first handle region 20 and gripping portion 56 of second handle region 22 are spaced apart a predetermined distance from each other, to essentially provide a means for flexing at least one of registration maintaining means 25 and the housing itself.
- the force in turn, flexes the registration maintaining means 25 to facilitate the proper placement of same relative to the external soft tissue surrounding the eye that is to receive treatment.
- the housing member may be flexed by the doctor or professional during insertion and positioning on the surface of the eye, so that an improved fit and an improved positioning can be achieved.
- Placement of a gap between the first and second gripping portions defines means 26 for limiting the flexing of the housing member.
- gripping portion 50 and gripping portion 56 extend from the respective second ends of the respective handle regions so as to be substantially parallel to outer surface 40 of housing member 12 .
- the two gripping portions essentially extend toward each other until end 62 of first gripping portion 50 is separated from end 64 of second gripping portion 56 by a gap.
- the distance separating the two gripping portions becomes smaller until end 62 of first gripping portion is in abutment with end 64 of second gripping portion 56 .
- the respective gripping portions can be pinched no further and additional flexing of the registration maintaining means and/or the housing member is not possible.
- the respective gripping portions are rather large, it would be difficult to over flex the gripping members as eventual abutment is difficult to avoid.
- Placement registration means 25 is shown in FIGS. 1 through 5 as including lateral straddling member 70 , medial straddling member 72 and biasing means 73 .
- Lateral straddling member 70 straddles the region encompassed by the lateral angle of the eye.
- the medial straddling member straddles the region encompassed by at least one of the medial angle, lacus lacrimalis and caruncula lacrimalis.
- lateral straddling member includes a single straddling region 91 and medial straddling member includes a first and second straddling region 92 , 93 , respectively.
- single straddling region 91 of the lateral straddling member 70 straddles the lateral angle of the eyelid.
- the first straddling region of the medial straddling member 72 is configured to straddle the medial angle and the second straddling region 93 is configured to straddle at least one of the lacrus lacrimalis and caruncula lacrimalis.
- each of the straddling members comprise a narrow wire-like member having a small thickness.
- a narrow member is suitable for receipt proximate the lateral and medial regions such that the patient ability to open and close the eyelid is substantially unaffected.
- the straddling members may have a larger width which would encompass a wider region around the respective medial and lateral angles. Such an embodiment can spread the force applied by the straddling members along a wider soft tissue surface area and can likewise maintain the eyelids in an open position, if such a maintenance is desirable or necessary.
- each of the respective straddling members is such that they are spaced apart a distance that is slightly greater than the distance between the medial and lateral angles of the eye.
- one of the soft tissue of the eye and the straddling members must be flexed (i.e. manipulated) to achieve the desired registered positioning of the straddling members relative to the eye.
- the soft tissue is generally biased against the straddling members such that the two are retained in substantial abutment.
- biasing means 73 referred to in the claims as a means for biasing medial and lateral straddling members against the corner of the eye.
- a medial and lateral straddling member can be utilized.
- a medial straddling member can be utilized proximate the medial angle, and a lateral straddling member can be omitted.
- a lateral straddling member can be utilized proximate the lateral angle, and the medial straddling member can be omitted.
- Such configurations are useful in association with particularly shaped housings (i.e., housings that are configured to be placed on the eye to cover regions proximate the medial and lateral angle regions).
- the electrical leads which attach the power supply to the electrodes which drive the medicament may be molded into the handle member.
- the registration maintaining means 25 may comprise a structure separate from the handle member or a structure which is not directly a portion of the handle member. Such a structure is shown in FIG. 4 , wherein the registration maintaining means 25 include registration regions which cooperate with the soft tissue of the eye. Such an apparatus further includes a separate handle member which is used by the operator to manipulate the apparatus. Such a separate handle member can be associated with either the housing or it may branch from the registration maintaining means.
- the registration maintaining means 25 can, in such an embodiment, be manipulated independent of the handle members. It is also contemplated that the registration maintaining means 25 can be incorporated with only one of the two handle regions, and omitted with respect to the other of the handle regions.
- the doctor, physician's assistant or other professional first selects the appropriate apparatus from among various apparatuses of different size, shape and medicament.
- the apparatus is not limited to any particular shape and any particular medicament.
- the doctor first pinches the respective gripping portions 50 , 56 toward each other so as to flex registration maintaining means 25 (and to also flex housing member 12 if configured for same).
- the registration maintaining means is flexed as desired, the user can position the housing member on the external surface of the patient's eye.
- the medical professional manipulates the registering regions into the desired configuration relative to the external soft tissue surrounding the eye.
- the lateral straddling member is positioned to straddle the region encompassed by the lateral angle.
- the medial straddling member is positioned to straddle the region encompassing the medial angle, the lacus lacrimales and the carincula lacrimales.
- Each of the straddling regions 91 , 92 and 93 are configured to matingly straddle these soft tissue regions.
- the straddling members are generally biased against the respective soft tissue surrounding the eye due to the biasing means.
- the doctor initiates current delivery from the current distribution member.
- the current forces medicament retained in the medicament containment member through the tissue of the patient's eye.
- the treatment continues for a predetermined period of time which is determined by the type and quantity of medicament that is to be transmitted to the patient.
- the apparatus can be removed from the patient. Specifically, the doctor again grasps the gripping regions of handle member 12 and pulls the housing from the external surface of the eye.
Abstract
Description
- This application is a divisional application of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/922,559 filed on Aug. 3, 2001, which, is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/318,181 filed May 25, 1999 and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/599,245 filed Jun. 22, 2000, which, in turn, claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/184,498 filed Feb. 23, 2000.
- The present invention is directed to ocular iontophoretic apparatuses, and more particularly, to a handle for an ocular iontophoretic apparatus (or ocular passive delivery apparatus) to facilitate the grasping, positioning and placement thereof, as well as a retaining member to facilitate the retention thereof in a desired orientation.
- The use of ocular iontophoretic devices has been known in the art. Such devices have been used in an attempt to administer a drug through an electromotive force which drives ionic chemicals through the eye tissue so that they can be absorbed by adjacent tissues and blood vessels.
- Among other problems, difficulties can be incurred with the placement of these devices onto the surface of the eye of a patient. Specifically, inasmuch as certain of these devices are intended for use on only a portion of the eye, they are rather small in size. Accordingly, it is difficult for a doctor to carefully position the device in the proper orientation. Moreover, once placed on the patient's eye, it is often difficult to reposition or to adjust the positioning of the device. Further still, it is often difficult to retain the ocular apparatus in the desired orientation for application of medicament.
- It will be understood that substantially the same problems and difficulties are associated with passive medicament or fluid delivery devices which are intended for ocular use.
- Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide for a handle member which facilitates the grasping, positioning and placement of ocular iontophoretic apparatuses (or passive apparatus).
- It is a further object of the invention to facilitate the registered maintenance of the ocular apparatus in a desired orientation of the eye.
- It is likewise an object of the invention to facilitate the repositioning of an ocular apparatus after placement onto the surface of the eye.
- It is a further object of the invention to provide for a handle member which can be pinched so as to flex the iontophoretic apparatus during placement onto an eye and during removal from the eye of the patient.
- These and other objects of the invention will become apparent in light of the specification and claims appended hereto.
- The invention comprises an iontophoretic apparatus. The apparatus comprises a housing member, a current distribution member, a medicament containment member and a handle member. The current distribution member is associated with the housing member. The medicament containment member is associated with the current distribution member. The handle member is associated with the housing member. The handle member includes a lateral straddling member and a medial straddling member. The straddling members cooperate with the soft tissue of the eye to retain the apparatus in a desired orientation.
- In a preferred embodiment, the handle member comprises a first handle region and a second handle region extending outwardly from the handle member. The first and second handle regions are distally spaced apart a predetermined distance. The lateral straddling member is associated with the first handle region and the medial straddling member is associated with the second handle region.
- In another preferred embodiment, at least one of the first and second handle regions includes a gripping region. The gripping region facilitates the grasping of the handle region by a user.
- In another preferred embodiment, the straddling members have a width which is such that the opening and closing of an eye is substantially unobstructed.
- In another embodiment, at least one of the straddling members includes a width which facilitates retention of an eyelid of a patient in an open position.
- Preferably, at least one of the medial and lateral straddling members is substantially flexible so as to facilitate the biasing of the straddling members against respective soft tissue.
- In a preferred embodiment, the lateral straddling member is configured to straddle the region encompassed by the lateral angle.
- In yet another preferred embodiment, the medial straddling member is configured to straddle the region encompassed by the medial angle, the lacus lacrimalis and the caruncula lacrimalis.
- In yet another preferred embodiment, for biasing the straddling members against the soft tissue of an eye.
- In another aspect of the invention, the invention comprises an ocular apparatus. The ocular apparatus is similar to the iontophoretic apparatus; however, the delivery of medicament or other fluid is not achieved by way of an electric current, rather, by way of passive delivery. Such an apparatus comprises a housing member, a medicament containment member associated with the housing and at least one of a lateral straddling member and a medial straddling member. The at least one straddling member cooperates with the soft tissue of the eye to retain the apparatus in a desired orientation.
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FIG. 1 of the drawings is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention showing, in particular, the apparatus placed upon an eye; -
FIG. 2 of the drawings is another perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention showing, in particular, the apparatus placed upon an eye; -
FIG. 3 of the drawings is a top plan view of the apparatus of the present invention showing, in particular, the apparatus placed upon an eye; -
FIG. 4 of the drawings is a front elevational view of an apparatus of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 of the drawings is a front elevational view of an apparatus of the present invention showing, in particular, application thereof within an eye; and -
FIG. 6 of the drawings is a front elevational view of an apparatus of the present invention showing, in particular, application thereof within an eye. - While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will be described in detail, one specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated.
- It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, are identified throughout the drawing by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawing is merely a representation, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.
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Iontophoretic apparatus 10 is shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 as comprising housing member 12, current distribution member 14, medicament containment member 16,handle member 18. The housing member, the current distribution member and the medicament containment member are each described in detail in related U.S. Pat. No. 6,319,240 entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Ocular Iontophoresis,” the complete specification of which is incorporated herein by reference. As described therein in greater detail, the housing member includesouter surface 40,first end 42,second end 44,upper region 45 andrim 47. Generally, the housing comprises a plastic material which is molded into a desired configuration for the positioning thereof on the eye of a patient. It will be understood that the medicament containment member can be used to contain medicament, as well as other fluids (lubricating agent, wetting agent, etc.). - It is likewise contemplated that the apparatus may comprise a passive delivery device which includes housing and a medicament containment member. Such an embodiment has a similar appearance but does not include a current distribution member. As such the medicament is not driven through the surface of the eye; rather, the medicament (or other fluid to be delivered) is permitted to passively be absorbed by the eye. Moreover, it is likewise contemplated that the handle and registration maintaining means described below can be adapted for use in association with other applications to the eye, such as, ERG, Electroretinography, among others.
- As will be understood, housing member 12 may be of any number of sizes and shapes. Various embodiments of the housing member may include various configurations depending on the medicament to be dispensed, as well as the specific shape of the soft tissue surrounding the eye of the patient, and the particular region of the eye to which it is to be applied (i.e. under the cornea, above the cornea, in the corners of the eye proximate the medial and lateral angles, etc). Of course, the handle member is not limited to any particular housing member configurations and may be used with a wide variety of such devices. Additionally, the medicament that is retained in medicament containment member 16 for dispensing is not limited to any particular medicament, and virtually any medicament that can be applied iontophoretically through the eye can be used in association with the iontophoretic apparatus.
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Handle member 18 is shown primarily inFIGS. 1 and 2 as comprisingfirst handle region 20,second handle region 22, means 24 for flexing the handle member, means 26 for limiting the flexing of the handle member and means 25 for maintaining registered placement of the apparatus. Generally,handle member 18 is co-molded with housing member 12, however, it is likewise contemplated that the handle member may comprise a separate component which may be welded, adhered or otherwise joined to housing member 12. Of course, as shown inFIG. 4 , the registration placement maintaining means 25 can comprise a separate structure which is associated with the housing or with the handle member. - First handle
region 20 of the handle member is shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 as includingfirst end 46,second end 48 and first grippingportion 50.First end 46 is associated withouter surface 40 proximatefirst end 42 of the housing member.Second end 48 extends outwardly therefrom and in a direction which is generally away fromsecond handle region 22 of the handle member. First grippingportion 50 is positioned proximatesecond end 48 offirst handle region 20. Generally, first grippingportion 50 comprises a region which is sized and shaped so as to promote the gripping thereof by a doctor or other professional during placement of the iontophoretic apparatus on the eye of a patient. As can be seen inFIGS. 1 and 2 , first grippingportion 50 is spaced apart from the housing member a distance sufficient to insure that the doctor can easily grip the gripping portion without inadvertently striking or touching the patient. It will be understood thatsecond handle region 22 is substantially similar tofirst handle region 20, and comprisesfirst end 52,second end 54 and second grippingportion 56. - Gripping
portion 50 offirst handle region 20 and grippingportion 56 ofsecond handle region 22 are spaced apart a predetermined distance from each other, to essentially provide a means for flexing at least one ofregistration maintaining means 25 and the housing itself. Specifically, and as will be explained in more detail below with respect to the operation, as the doctor or professional pinches the first and secondgripping portions handle regions registration maintaining means 25 to facilitate the proper placement of same relative to the external soft tissue surrounding the eye that is to receive treatment. Additionally, the housing member may be flexed by the doctor or professional during insertion and positioning on the surface of the eye, so that an improved fit and an improved positioning can be achieved. - Placement of a gap between the first and second gripping portions defines means 26 for limiting the flexing of the housing member. Specifically, gripping
portion 50 and grippingportion 56 extend from the respective second ends of the respective handle regions so as to be substantially parallel toouter surface 40 of housing member 12. The two gripping portions essentially extend toward each other untilend 62 of first grippingportion 50 is separated fromend 64 of second grippingportion 56 by a gap. Thus, as the user pinches the gripping members, the distance separating the two gripping portions becomes smaller untilend 62 of first gripping portion is in abutment withend 64 of second grippingportion 56. At such time, the respective gripping portions can be pinched no further and additional flexing of the registration maintaining means and/or the housing member is not possible. As the respective gripping portions are rather large, it would be difficult to over flex the gripping members as eventual abutment is difficult to avoid. - Placement registration means 25 is shown in
FIGS. 1 through 5 as includinglateral straddling member 70, medial straddlingmember 72 and biasing means 73.Lateral straddling member 70 straddles the region encompassed by the lateral angle of the eye. The medial straddling member straddles the region encompassed by at least one of the medial angle, lacus lacrimalis and caruncula lacrimalis. - Most preferably, and as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 5 , lateral straddling member includes asingle straddling region 91 and medial straddling member includes a first and second straddlingregion single straddling region 91 of thelateral straddling member 70 straddles the lateral angle of the eyelid. The first straddling region of themedial straddling member 72 is configured to straddle the medial angle and the second straddlingregion 93 is configured to straddle at least one of the lacrus lacrimalis and caruncula lacrimalis. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 5 , each of the straddling members comprise a narrow wire-like member having a small thickness. Such a narrow member is suitable for receipt proximate the lateral and medial regions such that the patient ability to open and close the eyelid is substantially unaffected. In other embodiments, such as the embodiment shown inFIG. 6 , the straddling members may have a larger width which would encompass a wider region around the respective medial and lateral angles. Such an embodiment can spread the force applied by the straddling members along a wider soft tissue surface area and can likewise maintain the eyelids in an open position, if such a maintenance is desirable or necessary. - The configuration of each of the respective straddling members is such that they are spaced apart a distance that is slightly greater than the distance between the medial and lateral angles of the eye. As such, upon application, one of the soft tissue of the eye and the straddling members must be flexed (i.e. manipulated) to achieve the desired registered positioning of the straddling members relative to the eye. Once positioned, the soft tissue is generally biased against the straddling members such that the two are retained in substantial abutment. This cooperation and respective dimensioning of components
forms biasing means 73 referred to in the claims as a means for biasing medial and lateral straddling members against the corner of the eye. - It is contemplated that in certain embodiments, only one of a medial and lateral straddling member can be utilized. For example, a medial straddling member can be utilized proximate the medial angle, and a lateral straddling member can be omitted. Similarly, a lateral straddling member can be utilized proximate the lateral angle, and the medial straddling member can be omitted. Such configurations are useful in association with particularly shaped housings (i.e., housings that are configured to be placed on the eye to cover regions proximate the medial and lateral angle regions).
- It is additionally contemplated that the electrical leads which attach the power supply to the electrodes which drive the medicament may be molded into the handle member.
- It is contemplated that the
registration maintaining means 25 may comprise a structure separate from the handle member or a structure which is not directly a portion of the handle member. Such a structure is shown inFIG. 4 , wherein theregistration maintaining means 25 include registration regions which cooperate with the soft tissue of the eye. Such an apparatus further includes a separate handle member which is used by the operator to manipulate the apparatus. Such a separate handle member can be associated with either the housing or it may branch from the registration maintaining means. Theregistration maintaining means 25 can, in such an embodiment, be manipulated independent of the handle members. It is also contemplated that theregistration maintaining means 25 can be incorporated with only one of the two handle regions, and omitted with respect to the other of the handle regions. - In operation, the doctor, physician's assistant or other professional first selects the appropriate apparatus from among various apparatuses of different size, shape and medicament. As explained above, the apparatus is not limited to any particular shape and any particular medicament. Once selected and prepared for placement by the doctor or assistant on the patient's eye, the apparatus is grasped by the gripping members and positioned onto the external surface of the eye.
- In particular, in the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1 , the doctor first pinches the respectivegripping portions regions - Furthermore, once fully released, due to the relative spacing between the straddling members, the straddling members are generally biased against the respective soft tissue surrounding the eye due to the biasing means.
- Once fully positioned, the doctor initiates current delivery from the current distribution member. The current forces medicament retained in the medicament containment member through the tissue of the patient's eye. The treatment continues for a predetermined period of time which is determined by the type and quantity of medicament that is to be transmitted to the patient.
- Once the treatment is complete, current ceases to be delivered by the current distribution member. At such time, passage of medicament through the patient's tissue ceases. When the treatment is complete, the apparatus can be removed from the patient. Specifically, the doctor again grasps the gripping regions of handle member 12 and pulls the housing from the external surface of the eye.
- The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims (26)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/406,657 US20060189919A1 (en) | 1999-05-25 | 2006-04-19 | Ocular iontophoretic apparatus with handle |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/318,181 US6319240B1 (en) | 1999-05-25 | 1999-05-25 | Methods and apparatus for ocular iontophoresis |
US18449800P | 2000-02-23 | 2000-02-23 | |
US09/599,245 US6728573B1 (en) | 2000-02-23 | 2000-06-22 | Ocular iontophoretic apparatus handle |
US09/922,559 US7252655B2 (en) | 1999-05-25 | 2001-08-03 | Ocular iontophoretic apparatus handle |
US11/406,657 US20060189919A1 (en) | 1999-05-25 | 2006-04-19 | Ocular iontophoretic apparatus with handle |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/922,559 Division US7252655B2 (en) | 1999-05-25 | 2001-08-03 | Ocular iontophoretic apparatus handle |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20060189919A1 true US20060189919A1 (en) | 2006-08-24 |
Family
ID=36913714
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/922,559 Expired - Fee Related US7252655B2 (en) | 1999-05-25 | 2001-08-03 | Ocular iontophoretic apparatus handle |
US11/406,657 Abandoned US20060189919A1 (en) | 1999-05-25 | 2006-04-19 | Ocular iontophoretic apparatus with handle |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/922,559 Expired - Fee Related US7252655B2 (en) | 1999-05-25 | 2001-08-03 | Ocular iontophoretic apparatus handle |
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US (2) | US7252655B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
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FR2855761B1 (en) * | 2003-06-03 | 2006-02-24 | Optis France Sa | OCULAR DEVICE FOR VARIABLE DELIVERY OF ACTIVE PRINCIPLES BY IONTOPHORESIS |
BRPI1013399A2 (en) | 2009-02-26 | 2016-04-05 | Liquidia Technologies Inc | interventional drug delivery system and associated methods |
USD873431S1 (en) * | 2018-08-06 | 2020-01-21 | Ashley Ophthalmics, LLC | Meibomian gland expression device pad |
USD965809S1 (en) * | 2019-09-30 | 2022-10-04 | Rafael Jakubow | Combined legs and body vibration massage apparatus |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20020022794A1 (en) | 2002-02-21 |
US7252655B2 (en) | 2007-08-07 |
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