US20150223981A1 - Combined treatment for cataract and glaucoma treatment - Google Patents
Combined treatment for cataract and glaucoma treatment Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150223981A1 US20150223981A1 US14/537,782 US201414537782A US2015223981A1 US 20150223981 A1 US20150223981 A1 US 20150223981A1 US 201414537782 A US201414537782 A US 201414537782A US 2015223981 A1 US2015223981 A1 US 2015223981A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- eye
- intraocular pressure
- anterior chamber
- instrument
- trabecular
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- A61F9/007—Methods or devices for eye surgery
- A61F9/00781—Apparatus for modifying intraocular pressure, e.g. for glaucoma treatment
-
- 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
- A61F9/0008—Introducing ophthalmic products into the ocular cavity or retaining products therein
- A61F9/0017—Introducing ophthalmic products into the ocular cavity or retaining products therein implantable in, or in contact with, the eye, e.g. ocular inserts
-
- 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
- A61F9/007—Methods or devices for eye surgery
- A61F9/00736—Instruments for removal of intra-ocular material or intra-ocular injection, e.g. cataract instruments
-
- 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
- A61F9/007—Methods or devices for eye surgery
- A61F9/00736—Instruments for removal of intra-ocular material or intra-ocular injection, e.g. cataract instruments
- A61F9/00754—Instruments for removal of intra-ocular material or intra-ocular injection, e.g. cataract instruments for cutting or perforating the anterior lens capsule, e.g. capsulotomes
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to surgical procedures for treating cataract. More particularly, it relates to a treatment of cataract in combination with an ab interno procedure for maintaining the intraocular pressure by permitting intraocular liquid to flow out of an anterior chamber of the eye through a surgically stented pathway.
- a human eye is a specialized sensory organ capable of light reception and is able to receive visual images.
- Aqueous humor is a transparent liquid that fills the region between the cornea, at the front of the eye, and the lens.
- a trabecular meshwork located in an anterior chamber angle formed between the iris and the cornea, serves as a drainage channel for intraocular liquid from the anterior chamber, which maintains a balanced pressure within the anterior chamber of the eye.
- the human crystalline lens is a living transparent structure composed primarily of protein having a thickness of about five millimeters and a diameter of about nine millimeters.
- the lens is suspended behind the iris by zonula fibers that connect the lens to the ciliary body.
- a lens capsule surrounds the lens; the front portion of the capsule is generally referred to as the anterior capsule and the back portion is generally referred to as the posterior capsule.
- cataract refers to the opacity of the lens of the eye.
- cataracts There are a variety of types of cataracts and for most cataracts, surgical intervention is required to remove and replace the lens with an artificial intraocular lens.
- the extraction procedure can generally be categorized as intracapsular (i.e., where the lens is removed together with the lens capsule) or extracapsular (such as where a portion of the anterior capsule is circularly removed (capsulorhexis) and the posterior capsule is left intact).
- phacoemulsification is a widely used method for the removal of diseased or damaged natural lens tissue.
- the phacoemulsification process generally employs a small incision typically of about 2 millimeters (mm) to about 4 mm in length through the cornea and a probe is used to ultrasonically break apart and remove the crystalline lens through the capsulorhexis.
- intraocular liquid or fluid
- intraocular liquid is herein intended to mean the aqueous humor, the viscoelastic fluid, the normal physiological saline or the like that stays in the eye at one time or the other.
- Glaucoma is a separate disease from cataract; however, some patients have both glaucoma and cataract so that is reasonable to treat both in a combined procedure.
- Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases encompassing a broad spectrum of clinical presentations, etiologies, and treatment modalities. Glaucoma causes pathological changes in the optic nerve, visible on the optic disk, and it causes corresponding visual field loss, resulting in blindness if untreated. Lowering intraocular pressure is the major treatment goal in all glaucomas.
- aqueous aqueous humor
- intraocular liquid or fluid
- Aqueous is continuously secreted by a ciliary body around the lens, so there is a constant flow of aqueous from the ciliary body to the anterior chamber of the eye.
- Pressure within the eye is determined by a balance between the production of aqueous and its exit through the trabecular meshwork (major route) and uveal scleral outflow (minor route).
- the portion of the trabecular meshwork adjacent to Schlemm's canal causes most of the resistance to aqueous outflow.
- glaucoma shunts are disclosed herein for aqueous to exit through the trabecular meshwork (major route) or uveal scleral outflow (minor route) or other route effective to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP).
- IOP intraocular pressure
- this surgical channeling may become the only viable alternative for lowering the intraocular pressure because of the patient's intolerance to glaucoma medicine immediately after cataract surgery.
- the stenting advantageously provides for aqueous drainage to maintain substantially balanced intraocular pressure during and after the procedure.
- the combined procedure is fast, safe, and less expensive than currently available two-procedure modalities.
- the accompanying glaucoma (or lowering IOP) procedure provides the eye with a balanced intraocular pressure post-operatively without the need of an IOP-lowering drug that may complicate the surgical success of the intended cataract procedure.
- a single incision in the cornea or sclera may be used to perform both surgical procedures.
- the glaucoma (or elevated IOP) and cataract may be treated in a single visit operation that may be performed as an outpatient procedure with rapid visual recovery and greatly decreased morbidity.
- a method for treating cataract of an eye while maintaining normal physiological intraocular pressure.
- the method comprising combination steps of establishing an opening through trabecular meshwork (also referred herein as “trabecular opening”) for maintaining normal physiological intraocular pressure, removing the cataract, and inserting an intraocular lens.
- One aspect of the invention provides a trabecular stent having a lumen therein for inserting within the opening through trabecular meshwork.
- the step of establishing the opening through trabecular meshwork is by an ab interno procedure, wherein the ab interno procedure comprises delivering the trabecular stent through an incision on a cornea of the eye remote from the trabecular opening.
- the incision may be self-sealing.
- the trabecular stent is adapted for implantation within a trabecular meshwork of an eye such that intraocular liquid flows controllably from an anterior chamber of the eye to Schlemm's canal.
- the trabecular stent may comprise a quantity of pharmaceuticals effective in treating glaucoma and/or cataract, which are controllably released from the device into cells of the trabecular meshwork and/or Schlemm's canal.
- pharmaceuticals may be utilized in conjunction with the trabecular stent such that liquid or aqueous flow either increases or decreases as desired. Placement of the trabecular stent within the eye and incorporation, and eventual release, of a proven pharmaceutical glaucoma therapy will reduce, inhibit or slow the effects of glaucoma and/or heal the injury from cataract procedure.
- Another aspect of the invention provides a method of treating glaucoma or eye diseases around trabecular meshwork.
- the method comprises providing at least one pharmaceutical substance incorporated into a trabecular stent, implanting the trabecular stent within a trabecular meshwork of an eye such that a first end of the trabecular stent is positioned in an anterior chamber of the eye while a second end is positioned in a Schlemm's canal, and allowing the stent to release a quantity of the pharmaceutical substance into the eye or eye tissue.
- the first and second ends of the trabecular stent establish a fluid communication between the anterior chamber and Schlemm's canal to assist maintaining a normal physiological intraocular pressure during or after the cataract procedure.
- the normal physiological intraocular pressure is maintained between about 10 mmHg and 21 mmHg.
- a method of regulating aqueous humor outflow within an eye comprises creating an incision in a trabecular meshwork of the eye, wherein the incision is substantially parallel with a circumference of a limbus of the eye, inserting an outlet section of a trabecular stent through the incision into Schlemm's canal such that the outlet section resides within Schlemm's canal while an inlet section of the trabecular stent resides in the anterior chamber, initiating an outflow of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber through the trabecular stent into Schlemm's canal, and continuously maintaining the outflow of aqueous humor during and after the cataract procedure so as to maintain a normal physiological intraocular pressure during or after the cataract procedure.
- Still another aspect of the invention provides a method of regulating intraocular pressure within an eye.
- the method comprises making an incision passing into a trabecular meshwork of the eye, wherein the incision is oriented lengthwise substantially parallel with a circumference of a limbus.
- the incision establishes a fluid communication between an anterior chamber and Schlemm's canal of the eye.
- the method further comprises implanting a hollow trabecular stent through the incision such that an outlet section of the trabecular stent resides within Schlemm's canal and an inlet section of the trabecular stent resides within the anterior chamber.
- the method still further comprises establishing a fluid transfer from the anterior chamber through the trabecular stent into Schlemm's canal.
- Another aspect of the invention provides a method of implanting a trabecular stent within an eye.
- the method known as an ab interno procedure herein comprises creating a first incision in a cornea on a first side of the eye, wherein the first incision passes through the cornea into an anterior chamber of the eye.
- the method further comprises passing (across or U-turnedly) an incising device through the first incision and moving a distal end of the incising device passing the anterior chamber to a trabecular meshwork residing on a second side of the eye, and using the incising device to create a second incision.
- the second incision is in the trabecular meshwork, passing from the anterior chamber through the trabecular meshwork into Schlemm's canal.
- the first incision in the cornea may be a very short distance from the second incision in the trabecular meshwork.
- the method further comprises inserting the trabecular stent into a distal space of a delivery applicator.
- the delivery applicator comprises a cannula portion having a distal end and a proximal end attached to a syringe portion.
- the cannula portion has at least one lumen and at least one irrigating hole disposed between proximal and distal ends of the cannula portion.
- the irrigating hole is in fluid communication with the lumen.
- the distal space comprises a holder that holds the trabecular stent device during delivery and releases the trabecular stent when a practitioner activates deployment mechanism of the stent device.
- the method further comprises advancing the cannula portion and the trabecular stent through the first incision, across or U-turnedly passing the anterior chamber and into the second incision, wherein an outlet section of the trabecular stent is implanted into Schlemm's canal while an inlet section of the trabecular stent remains in fluid communication with the anterior chamber.
- the method still further comprises releasing the trabecular stent from the holder of the delivery applicator.
- a trabecular stent is adapted for implantation within the trabecular meshwork of an eye such that intraocular liquid flows controllably from the anterior chamber of the eye to Schlemm's canal, bypassing the trabecular meshwork.
- pharmaceuticals may be utilized in conjunction with the trabecular stent enabling post-cataract healing processes.
- the trabecular shunt may include a pressure sensor 40 for measuring the pressure of the anterior chamber of an eye of a patient.
- the pressure sensor 40 may further include an electromagnetic (e.g., radiofrequency) transmitter 41 for wirelessly transmitting pressure measurements to a pressure receiver 42 outside the patient's body.
- a method is provided of performing surgery to lower intraocular pressure of an eye.
- the method comprises the step of providing an opening into an anterior chamber of the eye.
- a first instrument is inserted into the anterior chamber through the opening.
- the first instrument is used to perform a surgical procedure other than for lowering intraocular pressure.
- the first instrument is removed from the anterior chamber.
- a second instrument is inserted into the anterior chamber through the opening.
- the second instrument is used to perform a surgical procedure for lowering intraocular pressure.
- the second instrument is removed from the anterior chamber.
- a method is provided of performing surgery to lower intraocular pressure of an eye.
- the method comprises the step of providing an opening into an anterior chamber of the eye.
- a first instrument is inserted into the anterior chamber through the opening.
- the first instrument is used to perform a surgical procedure other than for lowering intraocular pressure.
- the first instrument is removed from the anterior chamber.
- a second instrument is inserted into the anterior chamber through the opening.
- the second instrument is used to implant a seton in a trabecular meshwork of the eye such that the seton conducts fluid from the anterior chamber to Schlemm's canal of the eye to lower intraocular pressure.
- the second instrument is removed from the anterior chamber without removing the seton from the trabecular meshwork.
- FIG. 1 is a coronal, cross-sectional view of an eye
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an anterior chamber angle of the eye of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is an oblique elevation view of a trabecular stent device having features and advantages in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 4 is an oblique elevation view of a trabecular stent device having features and advantages in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 5 is a close-up, cut-away view of an inlet section of the trabecular stent device of FIGS. 3 and 4 , illustrating a flow-restricting member retained within a lumen of the trabecular stent device and having features and advantages in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 6 is an oblique elevation view illustrating the placement of one end of the trabecular stent device of FIG. 3 through a trabecular meshwork in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 7 is an oblique elevation view of a preferred implantation of the trabecular stent device of FIG. 3 through a trabecular meshwork in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 8 is an oblique elevation view illustrating the placement of one end of the trabecular stent device of FIG. 3 through a trabecular meshwork, wherein the trabecular stent device is passed over a guidewire, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of a preferred method of implanting the trabecular stent device of FIG. 3 within an eye and having features and advantages in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an anterior chamber angle of an eye, illustrating the trabecular stent device of FIG. 3 positioned within a trabecular meshwork and having features and advantages in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 11 is a simplified schematic view of a lens of an eye
- FIG. 12 is a top plan view of one embodiment of an anterior chamber intraocular lens
- FIG. 13 is a side view of the intraocular lens of FIG. 12 ;
- FIG. 14 is a top plan view of one embodiment of a posterior chamber intraocular lens
- FIG. 15 is a side view of the intraocular lens of FIG. 14 ;
- FIG. 16 is a simplified graphical representation of the intraocular pressure (IOP) during and after cataract surgery and illustrating the benefits of a preferred pressure control scheme in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 17 is a simplified schematic view of a capsule of an eye after an extracapsular cataract extraction procedure.
- FIG. 18 is a simplified schematic block diagram illustrating steps of a combined procedure for cataract and glaucoma treatment having features and advantages in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- the preferred embodiments of the invention described herein relate particularly to a surgical treatment of cataract in combination with a surgical and therapeutic treatment of glaucoma through maintaining normal intraocular pressure. While the description sets forth various embodiment specific details, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative only and should not be construed in any way as limiting the invention. Furthermore, various applications of the invention, and modifications thereto, which may occur to those who are skilled in the art, are also encompassed by the general concepts described herein and below.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an eye 10
- FIG. 2 is a close-up view showing the relative anatomical locations of a trabecular meshwork 21 , an anterior chamber 20 , and a Schlemm's canal 22
- a sclera 11 is a thick collagenous tissue which covers the entire eye 10 except a portion which is covered by a cornea 12 .
- the cornea 12 is a thin transparent tissue that focuses and transmits light into the eye and through a pupil 14 , which is a circular hole in the center of an iris 13 (colored portion of the eye).
- the cornea 12 merges into the sclera 11 at a juncture referred to as a limbus 15 .
- a ciliary body 16 extends along the interior of the sclera 11 and is coextensive with a choroid 17 .
- the choroid 17 is a vascular layer of the eye 10 , located between the sclera 11 and a retina 18 .
- An optic nerve 19 transmits visual information to the brain and is the anatomic structure that is progressively destroyed by glaucoma.
- the anterior chamber 20 of the eye 10 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), which is bound anteriorly by the cornea 12 and posteriorly by the iris 13 and a lens 26 , is filled with aqueous humor (also herein referred to as “aqueous”).
- aqueous also herein referred to as “aqueous”.
- Aqueous is produced primarily by the ciliary body 16 , then moves anteriorly through the pupil 14 and reaches an anterior chamber angle 25 , formed between the iris 13 and the cornea 12 .
- aqueous in a normal eye, aqueous is removed from the anterior chamber 20 through the trabecular meshwork 21 .
- Aqueous passes through the trabecular meshwork 21 into Schlemm's canal 22 and thereafter through a plurality of aqueous veins 23 , which merge with blood-carrying veins, and into systemic venous circulation.
- Intraocular pressure (IOP) is maintained by an intricate balance between secretion and outflow of aqueous in the manner described above.
- Glaucoma is, in most cases, characterized by an excessive buildup of aqueous in the anterior chamber 20 which leads to an increase in intraocular pressure. Fluids are relatively incompressible, and thus intraocular pressure is distributed relatively uniformly throughout the eye 10 .
- the trabecular meshwork 21 is adjacent a small portion of the sclera 11 . Exterior to the sclera 11 is a conjunctiva 24 .
- Traditional procedures that create a hole or opening for implanting a device through the tissues of the conjunctiva 24 and sclera 11 involve extensive surgery, as compared to surgery for implanting a device, as described herein, which ultimately resides entirely within the confines of the sclera 11 and cornea 12 .
- a trabecular stenting device is utilized for establishing an outflow pathway, passing through the trabecular meshwork 21 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates one preferred embodiment of a trabecular stenting device 31 which facilitates the outflow of aqueous from the anterior chamber 20 into Schlemm's canal 22 , and subsequently into the aqueous collectors and the aqueous veins so that intraocular pressure (IOP) is reduced.
- the trabecular stenting device 31 comprises an inlet section 2 , having a lumen 3 ′′ with an inlet opening 3 , a middle section 4 , and an outlet section 9 .
- the middle section 4 may be an extension of, or may be coextensive with, the inlet section 2 .
- the outlet section 9 is preferably somewhat flexible to facilitate positioning of the outlet section 9 within an outflow pathway of the eye 10 .
- the outlet section 9 is preferably substantially perpendicular to the middle section 4 . “Substantially perpendicular,” as used herein, is generally defined as subtending an angle between longitudinal axes of the sections 4 , 9 ranging between about 30° (degrees) and about 150° (degrees).
- the device 31 further comprises at least one lumen 7 within sections 4 and 9 which is in fluid communication with the inlet opening 3 (and/or lumen 3 ′′) of section 2 , thereby facilitating transfer of aqueous through the device 31 .
- the trabecular stenting device 31 ( FIG. 3 ) of the preferred embodiments may be made of a biocompatible titanium material or titanium-containing alloy, such as Nitinol.
- the trabecular stent is coated with a compound having properties of anticoagulant, antiplatelet, antifibrin and antithrombus that is selected from a group consisting of heparin, warfarin, hirudin, heparinoid, argatroban, forskolin, vapiprost, prostacyclin, dextran, dipyridamole, thrombin inhibitor, and combinations thereof.
- the outlet section 9 preferably has a first outlet end 6 and a second, opposite outlet end 5 .
- the lumen 7 within the outlet section 9 opens to at least one of the outlet ends 5 , 6 .
- the outlet section 9 may have a plurality of side openings 77 , each of which is in fluid communication with the lumen 7 , for transmission of aqueous.
- the middle section 4 is connected to or coextensive with the outlet section 9 and is disposed between the first outlet end 6 and the second outlet end 5 .
- the outlet section 9 ( FIG. 3 ) is curved around a point, or curve center, and the middle section 4 extends substantially along a plane that contains the curve center.
- the outlet section 9 has a radius of curvature ranging between about 4 millimeters (mm) and about 10 mm.
- the lumen 7 and the remaining body of the outlet section 9 may have a cross-sectional shape that is oval, circular, or other appropriate shape.
- the cross-sectional shapes of the lumen 7 and the outlet section 9 preferably conform to the shape of the outflow pathway into which the outlet section 9 is placed.
- the opening of the lumen 7 of the outlet ends 5 , 6 may be ovoid in shape to match the contour of Schlemm's canal 22 .
- an outer contour of the outlet section 9 may be elliptical (e.g., ovoid) in shape to match the contour of Schlemm's canal 22 . This serves to minimize rotational movement of the outlet section 9 within Schlemm's canal 22 , and thereby stabilizes the inlet section 2 with respect to the iris and cornea.
- a circumferential ridge 8 is provided at the junction of the inlet section 2 and the middle section 4 to facilitate stabilization of the device 31 once implanted within the eye 10 .
- the middle section 4 has a length (between the ridge 8 and the outlet section 9 ) that is roughly equal to a thickness of the trabecular meshwork 21 , which typically ranges between about 100 microns or micrometers ( ⁇ m) and about 300 ⁇ m.
- the outlet section 9 may advantageously be formed with a protuberance or spur projecting therefrom so as to further stabilize the device 31 within the eye 10 without undue suturing.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a modified embodiment of a trabecular stent 31 A which facilitates the outflow of aqueous from the anterior chamber 20 into Schlemm's canal 22 , and subsequently into the aqueous collectors and the aqueous veins so that intraocular pressure is reduced.
- the device 31 A comprises an inlet section 2 A, a middle section 4 A, and an outlet section 9 A.
- the device 31 A further comprises at least one lumen 3 A traversing the sections 2 A, 4 A, 9 A and providing fluid communication therebetween.
- the lumen 3 A facilitates the transfer of aqueous from the inlet section 2 A through the device 31 A.
- the outlet section 9 A has opposed ends 5 A, 6 A.
- the outlet section 9 A is preferably curved, and may also be somewhat flexible, to facilitate positioning of the outlet section 9 A within an existing outflow pathway of the eye 10 .
- the outlet section 9 A further comprises an elongate trough 7 A for transmitting, or venting, aqueous.
- the elongate trough 7 A is connected to and in fluid communication with the lumen 3 A within the trabecular stenting device 31 A.
- a circumferential ridge 8 A is provided at the junction of the inlet section 2 A and the middle section 4 A to facilitate stabilization of the device 31 A once implanted within the eye 10 .
- the middle section 4 A has a length (between the ridge 8 A and the outlet section 9 A) that is roughly equal to the thickness of the trabecular meshwork 21 , which typically ranges between about 100 ⁇ m and about 300 ⁇ m.
- the outlet section 9 A may advantageously be formed with a protuberance or barb projecting therefrom so as to further stabilize the device 31 A within the eye 10 without undue suturing.
- the devices 31 may advantageously be practiced with a variety of sizes and shapes without departing from the scope of the invention.
- the devices 31 , 31 A may have a length ranging from about 0.05 centimeters (cm) to over 10 centimeters (cm).
- the devices 31 and 31 A have an outside diameter ranging between about 30 ⁇ m and about 500 ⁇ m, with the lumens 7 , 3 A having diameters ranging between about 20 ⁇ m and about 250 ⁇ m, respectively.
- the devices 31 , 31 A may have a plurality of lumens to facilitate transmission of multiple flows of aqueous.
- the inlet sections 2 , 2 A have longitudinal axes that form an angle ⁇ ranging between about 20° (degrees) and about 150° (degrees) relative to the longitudinal axes of the middle sections 4 , 4 A, respectively. More preferably, the angles ⁇ between the longitudinal axes of the inlet sections 2 , 2 A and the middle sections 4 , 4 A range between about 30° (degrees) and about 60° (degrees), respectively.
- FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the inlet section 2 and/or 2 A of the trabecular stenting device 31 and/or 31 A, illustrating a flow-restricting member 72 which is tightly retained within a lumen 78 (or 3 ′′).
- the flow-restricting member 72 is shown located close to an inlet side 71 of the inlet section 2 and/or 2 A.
- the flow-restricting member 72 serves to selectively restrict at least one component in blood from moving retrograde, i.e., from the outlet section 9 ( FIG. 3 ) and/or 9 A ( FIG. 4 ) into the anterior chamber 20 of the eye 10 .
- the flow-restricting member 72 may be situated in any location within the device 31 and/or 31 A such that blood flow is restricted from retrograde motion. More than one flow-restricting member 72 may also be efficaciously used, as needed or desired.
- the flow-restricting member 72 may, in some embodiments, be a filter made of a material selected from the following filter materials: expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, cellulose, ceramic, glass, Nylon, plastic, and fluorinated material such as polyvinylidene fluoride (“PVDF”) (trade name: Kynar, by DuPont), and combinations thereof.
- PVDF polyvinylidene fluoride
- the trabecular stenting devices 31 may be made by molding, thermo-forming, or other micro-machining techniques, among other techniques.
- the trabecular stenting devices 31 , 31 A preferably comprise a biocompatible material such that inflammation arising due to irritation between the outer surface of the device 31 , 31 A and the surrounding tissue is minimized.
- Biocompatible materials which may be used for the devices 31 ( FIG. 3 ) and/or 31 A ( FIG. 4 ) preferably include, but are not limited to, titanium, medical grade silicone, e.g., SilasticTM, available from Dow Coming Corporation of Midland, Mich.; and polyurethane, e.g., PellethaneTM, also available from Dow Corning Corporation.
- medical grade silicone e.g., SilasticTM, available from Dow Coming Corporation of Midland, Mich.
- polyurethane e.g., PellethaneTM, also available from Dow Corning Corporation.
- the devices 31 ( FIG. 3 ) and/or 31 A ( FIG. 4 ) may comprise other types of biocompatible material, such as, by way of example, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, collagen, heparinized collagen, polytetrafluoroethylene, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated polymer, fluorinated elastomer, flexible fused silica, polyolefin, polyester, polysilicon, and/or a mixture of the aforementioned biocompatible materials, and the like.
- PMMA polymethylmethacrylate
- polyvinyl alcohol polyvinyl pyrrolidone
- collagen heparinized collagen
- polytetrafluoroethylene expanded polytetrafluoroethylene
- fluorinated polymer fluorinated elastomer
- flexible fused silica polyolefin
- polyester polysilicon
- polysilicon and/or a mixture of the aforementioned
- such a surface material may include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (such as TeflonTM), polyimide, hydrogel, heparin, therapeutic drugs (such as beta-adrenergic antagonists and other anti-glaucoma drugs, or antibiotics), and the like.
- PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
- TeflonTM TeflonTM
- polyimide polyimide
- hydrogel hydrogel
- therapeutic drugs such as beta-adrenergic antagonists and other anti-glaucoma drugs, or antibiotics
- polymeric materials can include, but are not limited to, polycaprolactone (PCL), poly-D,L-lactic acid (DL-PLA), poly-L-lactic acid (L-PLA), poly(lactide-co-glycolide), poly(hydroxybutyrate), poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate), polydioxanone, polyorthoester, polyanhydride, poly(glycolic acid), poly(glycolic acid-cotrimethylene carbonate), polyphosphoester, polyphosphoester urethane, poly(amino acids), cyanoacrylates, poly(trimethylene carbonate), poly(iminocarbonate), copoly(ether-esters), polyalkylene oxalates, polyphosphazenes, polyiminocarbonates
- PCL polycaprolactone
- DL-PLA poly-D,L-lactic acid
- L-PLA poly(lactide-co-glycolide), poly(hydroxybutyrate), poly(hydroxybutyrate
- a device coated or loaded with a slow-release substance can have prolonged effects on local tissue surrounding the device.
- the slow-release delivery can be designed such that an effective amount of substance is released over a desired duration.
- “Substance,” as used herein, is generally defined as any therapeutic or active drug that can stop, mitigate, slow-down or reverse undesired disease processes.
- the stent devices 31 may be made of a biodegradable (also including bioerodible) material admixed with a substance for substance slow-release into ocular tissues.
- polymer films may function as substance containing release devices whereby the polymer films may be coupled or secured to the devices 31 and/or 31 A.
- the polymer films may be designed to permit the controlled release of the substance at a chosen rate and for a selected duration, which may also be episodic or periodic.
- Such polymer films may be synthesized such that the substance is bound to the surface or resides within a pore in the film so that the substance is relatively protected from enzymatic attack.
- the polymer films may also be modified to alter their hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity and vulnerability to platelet adhesion and enzymatic attack.
- the film may be coupled (locally or remotely) to a power source such that when substance delivery is desired, a brief pulse of current is provided to alter the potential on the film to cause the release of a particular amount of the substance for a chosen duration.
- a brief pulse of current is provided to alter the potential on the film to cause the release of a particular amount of the substance for a chosen duration.
- Application of current causes release of a substance from the surface of the film or from an interior location in the film such as within a pore.
- the rate of substance delivery is altered depending on the degree of substance loading on the film, the voltage applied to the film, and by modifying the chemical synthesis of substance delivery polymer film.
- the power-activated substance delivery polymer film may be designed to be activated by an electromagnetic field, such as, by way of example, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), or short range Radio Frequency (RF) transmission (such as Bluetooth).
- an electromagnetic field such as, by way of example, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), or short range Radio Frequency (RF) transmission (such as Bluetooth).
- NMR Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
- MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- RF Radio Frequency
- ultrasound can be used to cause a release of a particular amount of substance for a chosen duration. This is particularly applicable to a substance coated device or a device made of a substrate containing the desired substance.
- the stent devices 31 may be used for a direct release of pharmaceutical preparations into ocular tissues.
- the pharmaceuticals may be compounded within the devices 31 and/or 31 A or form a coating on the devices 31 and/or 31 A. Any known drug therapy for glaucoma may be utilized, including but not limited to, the following.
- primary open angle glaucoma the intraocular pressure increases in response to a decrease in the outflow of aqueous.
- the mitochondrial treatment objectives for glaucoma preferably include not only the prevention of further endothelial cell death, but also the restoration or boosting of mitochondrial function in the remaining cells.
- the cells may be made more resilient to elevated intraocular pressure with mitochondrial stimulating therapy by drug slow release.
- a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, deprenyl, that has been used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease may play a role in reducing neuronal apoptosis in glaucoma; Tatton in U.S. Pat. No. 5,981,598, issued Nov.
- DES desmethyldeprenyl
- TGF-beta Transforming Growth Factor-Beta
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,663,205 issued Sep. 2, 1997, to Ogawa et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses a pharmaceutical composition for use in glaucoma treatment which contains an active ingredient 5-[1-hydroxy-2-[2-(2-methoxyphenoxyl)ethylamino]ethyl]-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide.
- This agent is free from side effects, and stable and has an excellent intraocular pressure reducing activity at its low concentrations, thus being useful as a pharmaceutical composition for use in glaucoma treatment.
- guanylate cyclase inhibitors utilized in the pharmaceutical composition and method of treatment are methylene blue, butylated hydroxyanisole and N-methylhydroxylamine.
- compositions contain a combination of an alpha-2 agonist (e.g., para-amino clonidine) and a beta blocker (e.g., betaxolol).
- alpha-2 agonist e.g., para-amino clonidine
- beta blocker e.g., betaxolol
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,184,250 B1 issued Feb. 6, 2001, to Klimko et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses use of cloprostenol and fluprostenol analogues to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
- the method comprises topically administering to an affected eye a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a combination of a first compound selected from the group consisting of beta-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, adrenergic agonists, and cholinergic agonists; together with a second compound.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,912 issued Aug. 29, 2000, to Kaufman et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses methods for the treatment of glaucoma by administering an ophthalmic preparation comprising an effective amount of a non-corneotoxic serine-threonine kinase inhibitor, thereby enhancing aqueous outflow in the eye and treatment of the glaucoma.
- the method of administration is topical, whereas it is intracameral in other embodiments.
- the method of administration is intracanalicular.
- the method for enhancing the delivery to the optic nerve head comprises contacting a therapeutically effective amount of a composition containing one or more prostaglandins and one or more drug substances with the eye at certain intervals.
- One preferred method for increasing aqueous outflow in the eye 10 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of a patient, to reduce intraocular pressure therein, comprises bypassing the trabecular meshwork 21 .
- FIGS. 1 and 2 One preferred method for increasing aqueous outflow in the eye 10 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of a patient, to reduce intraocular pressure therein, comprises bypassing the trabecular meshwork 21 .
- FIG. 3 the device 31 A of FIG. 4 may be efficaciously utilized in a substantially similar manner.
- the middle section 4 of the device 31 ( FIG. 3 ) is advantageously placed across the trabecular meshwork 21 through a slit or opening.
- This opening can be created by using a laser, a knife, or other suitable surgical cutting instrument.
- the opening may advantageously be substantially horizontal, i.e., extending longitudinally in the same direction as the circumference of the limbus 15 ( FIG. 2 ). Other opening directions may also be efficaciously used, as needed or desired.
- the opening may advantageously be oriented at any angle, relative to the circumference of the limbus 15 , that is appropriate for inserting the device 31 through the trabecular meshwork 21 and into Schlemm's canal 22 or other outflow pathway, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
- the middle section 4 may be semi-flexible and/or adjustable in position relative to the inlet section 2 and/or the outlet section 9 , further adapting the device 31 for simple and safe glaucoma implantation.
- the outlet section 9 may be positioned into fluid collection channels of the natural outflow pathways.
- natural outflow pathways include Schlemm's canal 22 , aqueous collector channels, aqueous veins, and episcleral veins.
- the outlet section 9 may be positioned into fluid collection channels up to at least the level of the aqueous veins, with the device inserted in a retrograde or antegrade fashion.
- FIG. 6 generally illustrates one step in the implantation of the trabecular stenting device 31 through the trabecular meshwork 21 .
- the outlet section 9 of the device 31 is inserted into an opening 61 in the trabecular meshwork 21 .
- a practitioner or surgeon may create the opening 61 “ab intern” from the interior surface 65 of the trabecular meshwork 21 .
- the practitioner advances the first outlet end 6 of the outlet section 9 through the opening 61 into a first side of Schlemm's canal 22 or other suitable outflow pathway within the eye 10 .
- the practitioner advances the second outlet end 5 through the opening 61 and into a second side of Schlemm's canal 22 .
- the advancing of the second outlet end 5 may be facilitated by slightly pushing the second outlet end 5 through the opening 61 .
- FIG. 7 generally illustrates a further stage in deployment of the device 31 , wherein the entire outlet section 9 of the device 31 is implanted within Schlemm's canal 22 , beneath the trabecular meshwork 21 .
- the lumen 3 ′′ (or inlet opening 3 ) of the implanted device 31 provides an enhanced fluid communication through the trabecular meshwork 21 and between the anterior chamber 20 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and Schlemm's canal 22 .
- FIG. 8 shows an additional and/or modified step in the implantation of the trabecular stenting device 31 through the trabecular meshwork 21 .
- the practitioner inserts a distal end 63 of a guidewire 64 through the opening 61 into the first side Schlemm's canal 22 .
- the practitioner then advances the first outlet end 6 of the outlet section 9 into Schlemm's canal 22 by “riding,” or advancing, the trabecular stenting device 31 on the guidewire 64 .
- the guidewire 64 will have a shape and size conforming to the shape and size of the lumen 7 ; and as such, may have an elliptical (e.g., oval) shape, a D-shape, a round shape, or an irregular (asymmetric) shape which is adapted for nonrotatory engagement with or for the device 31 .
- an elliptical (e.g., oval) shape, a D-shape, a round shape, or an irregular (asymmetric) shape which is adapted for nonrotatory engagement with or for the device 31 .
- One method for increasing aqueous outflow within the eye 10 of a patient, and thus reduce intraocular pressure therein comprises: (a) creating an opening in the trabecular meshwork 21 , wherein the trabecular meshwork 21 includes a deep side and a superficial side; (b) inserting the trabecular stenting device 31 into the opening; and (c) transmitting aqueous or intraocular liquid through the device 31 , to bypass the trabecular meshwork 21 , from the deep side to the superficial side of the trabecular meshwork 21 .
- This “transmitting” of aqueous or intraocular liquid is preferably passive, i.e., aqueous or intraocular liquid flows out of the anterior chamber 20 due to a pressure gradient between the anterior chamber 20 and the aqueous venous system 23 .
- Another method for increasing aqueous outflow within the eye 10 of a patient, and thus reduce intraocular pressure therein comprises a) providing at least one pharmaceutical substance incorporated into a trabecular stenting device at about the middle section of the device; b) implanting the trabecular stenting device within a trabecular meshwork of an eye such that the middle section is configured substantially within the trabecular meshwork, the stenting device having a first end positioned in an anterior chamber of the eye while a second end is positioned inside a Schlemm's canal, wherein the first and the second ends of the trabecular stenting device establish a fluid communication between the anterior chamber and the Schlemm's canal; and c) allowing the middle section of the trabecular stenting device to release a quantity of said pharmaceutical substance into the trabecular meshwork.
- the devices 31 and 31A are not limited to implantation within only Schlemm's canal 22 , as generally depicted by the embodiments of FIGS. 6-8 . Rather, the devices 31 and 31 A may advantageously be implanted within and/or used in conjunction with a variety of other natural outflow pathways, or biological tubular structures, as mentioned above. As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, the devices 31 and 31 A may advantageously be used in conjunction with substantially any biological tubular structure without detracting from or limiting the scope of the invention.
- FIG. 9 generally illustrates a preferred method by which the trabecular stenting device 31 is implanted within the eye 10 .
- a delivery applicator 51 is provided, which preferably comprises a syringe portion 54 and a cannula portion 55 which contains at least one lumen (not shown).
- the cannula portion 55 preferably has a size of about 30 gauge. However, in other embodiments, the cannula portion 55 may have a size ranging between about 16 gauge and about 40 gauge.
- a distal section of the cannula portion 55 has at least one irrigating hole 53 in fluid communication with the lumen.
- a holder for holding the device 31 comprises a lumen 56 having a proximal end 57 .
- the holder may advantageously comprise a lumen, a sheath, a clamp, tongs, a space, and the like.
- the proximal end 57 of the lumen 56 is preferably sealed off from the remaining lumen of the cannula portion 55 and the irrigating hole 53 of the cannula portion 55 .
- the lumen 56 may advantageously be placed in fluid communication with the lumen and irrigating hole 53 of the cannula portion 55 without detracting from or limiting the scope of the invention.
- the device 31 is placed into the lumen 56 of the delivery applicator 51 and then advanced to a desired implantation site within the eye 10 .
- the delivery applicator 51 holds the device 31 securely during delivery and releases it when the practitioner initiates deployment of the device 31 .
- a patient is placed in a supine position, prepped, draped, and appropriately anesthetized.
- a small incision 52 ( FIG. 9 ) is then made through the cornea 12 .
- the incision 52 is made through the cornea 12 near or proximate to the limbus 15 ( FIG. 2 ).
- the incision 52 is made substantially at the limbus 15 .
- the incision 52 ( FIG. 9 ) preferably has a surface length less than about 1.0 millimeters (mm) in length and may advantageously be self-sealing.
- the trabecular meshwork 21 is accessed, wherein an incision is made with an irrigating knife (not shown).
- the device 31 is then advanced through the corneal incision 52 and across the anterior chamber 20 , while the device 31 is held in the delivery applicator 51 , under gonioscopic, microscopic, or endoscopic guidance. After the device 31 is appropriately implanted, the applicator 51 is withdrawn and the trabecular meshwork surgery is concluded.
- FIG. 10 generally illustrates the use of the trabecular stenting device 31 for establishing an outflow pathway, passing from the anterior chamber 20 through the trabecular meshwork 21 to Schlemm's canal 22 .
- an opening has been created in the trabecular meshwork 21 .
- such an opening in the trabecular meshwork 21 may comprise an incision made with a microknife, a pointed guidewire, a sharpened applicator, a screw-shaped applicator, an irrigating applicator, a barbed applicator, and the like.
- the trabecular meshwork 21 may advantageously be dissected with an instrument similar to a retinal pick or microcurette.
- the opening may advantageously be created by fiber optic laser ablation.
- the outlet section 9 of the device 31 has been inserted in its entirety into the opening in the trabecular meshwork 21 .
- the inlet section 2 is exposed to the anterior chamber 20 , while the outlet section 9 is positioned near an interior surface 43 of Schlemm's canal 22 .
- the outlet section 9 may advantageously be placed into fluid communication with other natural outflow pathways, such as, but not limited to, aqueous collector channels, aqueous veins, and episcleral veins, as described above.
- a device such as the device 31 A of FIG. 4 , wherein the outflow section 9 A has an open trough 7 A for stenting purposes, may be used to maintain an opening of one or more of such natural outflows pathways.
- aqueous flows from the anterior chamber 20 through the device 31 into Schlemm's canal 22 , bypassing the trabecular meshwork 21 , thereby reducing intraocular pressure within the eye 10 .
- a number of devices and methods for treating glaucoma and/or reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) may be utilized in conjunction with the preferred embodiments.
- a seton generally comprising a tubular member or tube with opposed open ends may be used in trabecular meshwork surgery to provide an outflow pathway for intraocular liquid to lower IOP.
- an incision or opening may be created in the trabecular meshwork to provide an outflow pathway for intraocular liquid to temporarily lower IOP during surgery. This incision may then “fill in” over time to restore the trabecular meshwork to its normal state.
- IOP intraocular pressure
- the transparency of the lens 26 of the eye 10 generally depends on the physiochemical state of the lens proteins.
- These proteins are sensitive to changes in the properties of their surrounding fluid. Changes in the concentration of dissolved salts, in the osmotic pressure, in the pH or in the enzyme activity of the surrounding fluid can alter the properties of the lens proteins.
- changes to the proteins of the lens occur with age.
- a common type of cataract that occurs in elderly people is known as a senile cataract. This type of cataract has no known etiology and none of the forms of cataract produced experimentally to date closely resemble the senile cataract.
- the lens 26 of the human eye 10 is a crystalline lens that generally comprises an outer capsule 112 with anterior and posterior surfaces 114 , 116 , the lens 26 containing a clear central matrix 118 .
- This central matrix 118 often opacifies with age and for various other reasons (some of which have been mentioned above) and thereby progressively blocks the passage of light to the retina 18 of the eye 10 .
- the central matrix 118 attains a degree of opacity which is referred to as a cataract.
- This abnormal ocular condition is corrected by removing the lens, which is a procedure known as cataract extraction, and replacing the lens by an artificial lens for focusing the light entering the eye 10 on the retina 18 .
- Intraocular lenses have gained widespread acceptance as replacements for cataracted human lenses.
- Artificial intraocular lenses generally comprise an optical region and a support, or haptic, to facilitate positioning and centering of the intraocular lens within the eye.
- Intraocular lenses have been made from a number of different materials.
- hard lenses have been prepared from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and optical glass while flexible lenses have been prepared from silicone, polyHEMA (polyhydroxyethylmethylmethacrylate), acrylics, collagen, and combinations thereof.
- Flexible lenses have the advantage that they can be folded or otherwise deformed prior to implantation to reduce the overall size of the lens during the artificial lens implantation procedure through an incision in the cornea or limbus. As discussed above and further below, this small incision enables placement of a glaucoma stent passing the anterior chamber into a trabecular meshwork opening.
- Artificial intraocular lenses are generally categorized as anterior chamber intraocular lenses and posterior chamber intraocular lenses depending on the implant locations.
- Leiske in U.S. Pat. No. 4,560,383 the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses several embodiments of an anterior chamber intraocular lens that can be utilized in both primary and secondary implantations with either intracapsular or extracapsular cataract extractions.
- the lens is made of PMMA material that is low-mass, low-weight with reduced possibility of reaction and internal stress due to eye movement or sudden movement.
- FIGS. 12 and 13 show different views of one embodiment of an anterior chamber intraocular lens device 120 .
- the lens 120 generally comprises a lens optic 122 and a pair of flexible opposing loops 124 , 126 secured into a side edge of the optic 122 .
- Faulkner in U.S. Pat. No. 4,366,582 discloses several embodiments of a posterior chamber intraocular lens. Faulkner's lens is provided with a structure for engaging the anterior surface of the iris to retain the lens against posterior displacement within the eye, even if the capsule is missing or damaged.
- FIGS. 14 and 15 show different views of one embodiment of a posterior chamber intraocular lens device 130 .
- the lens 130 generally comprises an optic 132 , support elements 134 and retaining elements 136 .
- anterior chamber intraocular lens and posterior chamber intraocular lens as known in the art and/or commercially available may efficaciously be utilized in conjunction with the surgical procedures taught or suggested herein. These lenses may be implanted in the anterior chamber or posterior chamber of the eye, as needed or desired.
- the intraocular pressure is generally maintained by injecting viscoelastic fluid or physiological saline at a pre-specified pressure range (P N in FIG. 16 ).
- P N pre-specified pressure range
- the pressure frequently undesirably spikes (as illustrated by line 140 in FIG. 16 ) to a high pressure or pressure range P H after closing the incision in the cornea (or limbus) because of “plugging” of the viscoelastic fluid.
- the combination of the pressure spike 140 and the inherent high intraocular pressure possibly due to intolerance of glaucoma drugs post-operatively, complicates recovery of the cataract operations.
- the method generally comprising combination steps of establishing an opening through trabecular meshwork, removing the cataract, and inserting an intraocular lens, wherein the opening through trabecular meshwork comprises a trabecular stent having a lumen therein with optionally drug slow-releasing capability.
- the normal physiological intraocular pressure P N is preferably maintained between about 10 mm Hg (mercury) and 21 mm Hg, during and after the completion of the surgical procedure.
- the method may further comprise measuring and transmitting pressure of the anterior chamber of an eye, wherein the trabecular shunt comprises a pressure sensor 40 for measuring and transmitting pressure.
- the means for measuring and transmitting pressure of an anterior chamber of an eye to an external receiver 42 may be incorporated within a device that is placed inside the anterior chamber for sensing and transmitting the intraocular pressure. Any suitable micro pressure sensor or pressure sensor chip known to those of skill in the art may be utilized.
- phacoemulsification One modern technique for removing the central opaque part of the lens or cataract is a procedure called phacoemulsification.
- the pupil is dilated to facilitate access to the cataract.
- a sophisticated ultrasonic titanium tipped instrument is introduced into the eye through an incision and passes through the anterior chamber. This titanium tip is ultrasonically vibrated against the lens in a manner which emulsifies the opaque central matrix of the lens.
- the emulsified matrix is then aspirated (using the same or different instrument) from the eye 10 , and as best illustrated in FIG. 17 , leaving the original posterior capsule or surface 116 of the lens intact with a small anterior capsular remnant or surface 114 ′′.
- the procedure is called extracapsular cataract extraction.
- extracapsular extraction allows the intraocular lens to be placed behind the iris 13 either in the space known as a ciliary sulcus 150 , that is the space immediately behind the iris 13 and in front of the anterior capsule remnant 114 ′′ or in a space known as the capsular bag 160 , that is between a posterior surface 162 of the anterior capsular flap 114 ′′ and an anterior surface 164 of the posterior capsule 116 .
- a ciliary sulcus 150 that is the space immediately behind the iris 13 and in front of the anterior capsule remnant 114 ′′ or in a space known as the capsular bag 160 , that is between a posterior surface 162 of the anterior capsular flap 114 ′′ and an anterior surface 164 of the posterior capsule 116 .
- FIG. 18 shows a schematic diagram illustrating steps of a combined procedure for cataract and glaucoma treatment which advantageously controls or regulates the intraocular pressure (IOP) within a predetermined range.
- IOP intraocular pressure
- the intraocular pressure is controlled during and after the surgical procedure.
- the intraocular pressure is controlled only during a portion of the surgical procedure and after the surgical procedure.
- the intraocular pressure is controlled only after the surgical procedure.
- an ab interno glaucoma procedure comprises one of the pre-cataract procedures.
- an ab externo procedure may be utilized to lower IOP or treat glaucoma, as needed or desired.
- other pre-cataract procedures may include goniotomy, trabeculotomy, trabeculopuncture, goniophotoablation, laser trabecular ablation and goniocurretage.
- a stented ab interno glaucoma procedure may be conducted as a pre-cataract procedure in the cataract/glaucoma combination procedure.
- the glaucoma procedure (or lowering IOP procedure) may be performed after the cataract surgery or procedure.
- the glaucoma procedure (or lowering IOP procedure) may be combined with (before or after) other types of eye surgeries or procedures, for example, retinal surgery, vitrectomy, among others.
- the accompanying ab interno glaucoma procedure comprises a step 81 of creating an incision on a sclera or cornea wall; a step 82 of delivering or providing an applicator having a trabecular stent 82 ; a step 83 of creating an opening through trabecular meshwork; and a step 84 of placing a trabecular stent over or through the opening while maintaining the intraocular pressure (IOP) peri-operatively.
- the opening in the trabecular meshwork may be made by a self-trephining stent, by the applicator itself or other cutting instrument as discussed above which is introduced through the incision in the cornea or sclera.
- the main cataract procedure comprises a step 85 of extracting the diseased cataract lens; step 86 of maintaining the intraocular pressure peri-operatively within a specified range, step 87 of implanting an intraocular lens while maintaining IOP; and step 88 of securing the incision on the sclera or cornea wall while maintaining IOP.
- the step of extracting the cataract includes inserting an instrument (as described above) through the incision in the cornea or sclera.
- the accompanying glaucoma procedure provides the eye with a balanced intraocular pressure post-operatively in step 89 without the need of a IOP-lowering drug that may complicate the surgical success of the intended cataract procedure.
- a single incision in the cornea or sclera may be used to perform both (or multiple) surgical procedures.
- the glaucoma and cataract may be treated in a single visit operation that may be performed as an outpatient procedure with rapid visual recovery and greatly decreased morbidity.
- the stent can lower the IOP or a temporary opening may be created in the trabecular meshwork which fills in over time but temporarily allows lowering of the IOP for a certain time period.
Abstract
A method is provided for treatment of cataract in combination with a glaucoma procedure while maintaining the intraocular pressure by permitting aqueous to flow out of an anterior chamber of the eye through a surgically stented pathway. A trabecular stent is adapted for implantation within the trabecular meshwork of an eye such that intraocular liquid flows controllably from the anterior chamber of the eye to Schlemm's canal, bypassing the trabecular meshwork. Depending upon the specific treatment contemplated, pharmaceuticals may be utilized in conjunction with the trabecular stent enabling post-cataract healing processes.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,338, filed May 27, 2011 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/653,815, filed Jan. 16, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,951,155 B2, issued May 31, 2011, entitled “Combined Treatment for Cataract and Glaucoma Treatment,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/165,616, filed Jun. 7, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,163,543 B2, issued Jan. 16, 2007, entitled “Combined Treatment for Cataract and Glaucoma Treatment,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/364,988, filed Mar. 15, 2002, entitled “Methods for Treating Combined Glaucoma and Cataract,” the entire contents of each one of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The invention relates generally to surgical procedures for treating cataract. More particularly, it relates to a treatment of cataract in combination with an ab interno procedure for maintaining the intraocular pressure by permitting intraocular liquid to flow out of an anterior chamber of the eye through a surgically stented pathway.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- As is well known in the art, a human eye is a specialized sensory organ capable of light reception and is able to receive visual images. Aqueous humor is a transparent liquid that fills the region between the cornea, at the front of the eye, and the lens. A trabecular meshwork, located in an anterior chamber angle formed between the iris and the cornea, serves as a drainage channel for intraocular liquid from the anterior chamber, which maintains a balanced pressure within the anterior chamber of the eye.
- Artificial intraocular lenses are widely used to replace the human crystalline lens of the eye. The human crystalline lens is a living transparent structure composed primarily of protein having a thickness of about five millimeters and a diameter of about nine millimeters. The lens is suspended behind the iris by zonula fibers that connect the lens to the ciliary body. A lens capsule surrounds the lens; the front portion of the capsule is generally referred to as the anterior capsule and the back portion is generally referred to as the posterior capsule.
- The term “cataract” refers to the opacity of the lens of the eye. There are a variety of types of cataracts and for most cataracts, surgical intervention is required to remove and replace the lens with an artificial intraocular lens.
- There are a number of procedures and devices that have been developed for the removal of the natural lens followed by the insertion of an artificial lens. The extraction procedure can generally be categorized as intracapsular (i.e., where the lens is removed together with the lens capsule) or extracapsular (such as where a portion of the anterior capsule is circularly removed (capsulorhexis) and the posterior capsule is left intact).
- Presently, phacoemulsification is a widely used method for the removal of diseased or damaged natural lens tissue. The phacoemulsification process generally employs a small incision typically of about 2 millimeters (mm) to about 4 mm in length through the cornea and a probe is used to ultrasonically break apart and remove the crystalline lens through the capsulorhexis.
- During the cataract surgical procedure and immediately after the procedure, it is important to maintain the intraocular pressure at a desired level. This is particularly important to a subset of cataract patients that also has glaucoma. Therefore, there remains a clinical need for maintaining the intraocular pressure for cataract surgical treatment by allowing drainage of intraocular liquid or fluid through a hollow stented pathway bypassing the trabecular meshwork. The term “intraocular liquid (or fluid)” is herein intended to mean the aqueous humor, the viscoelastic fluid, the normal physiological saline or the like that stays in the eye at one time or the other.
- Historically, about two percent of people in the United States have glaucoma. Glaucoma is a separate disease from cataract; however, some patients have both glaucoma and cataract so that is reasonable to treat both in a combined procedure. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases encompassing a broad spectrum of clinical presentations, etiologies, and treatment modalities. Glaucoma causes pathological changes in the optic nerve, visible on the optic disk, and it causes corresponding visual field loss, resulting in blindness if untreated. Lowering intraocular pressure is the major treatment goal in all glaucomas.
- In glaucomas associated with an elevation in eye pressure (intraocular hypertension), the source of resistance to outflow is mainly in the trabecular meshwork. The tissue of the trabecular meshwork allows the aqueous humor (herein also referred to as “aqueous” and is one component of the “intraocular liquid (or fluid)” referred to herein) to enter Schlemm's canal, which then empties into aqueous collector channels in the posterior wall of Schlemm's canal and then into aqueous veins, which form the episcleral venous system.
- Aqueous is continuously secreted by a ciliary body around the lens, so there is a constant flow of aqueous from the ciliary body to the anterior chamber of the eye. Pressure within the eye is determined by a balance between the production of aqueous and its exit through the trabecular meshwork (major route) and uveal scleral outflow (minor route). The portion of the trabecular meshwork adjacent to Schlemm's canal (the juxtacanalicular meshwork) causes most of the resistance to aqueous outflow.
- Because the trabecular meshwork and juxtacanalicular tissue together provide the majority of resistance to the outflow of aqueous, they are logical targets for surgical channeling with a stented pathway during and after cataract surgery for maintaining balanced intraocular pressure. Various embodiments of glaucoma shunts are disclosed herein for aqueous to exit through the trabecular meshwork (major route) or uveal scleral outflow (minor route) or other route effective to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP). In some glaucoma patients, this surgical channeling may become the only viable alternative for lowering the intraocular pressure because of the patient's intolerance to glaucoma medicine immediately after cataract surgery.
- What is desirable, therefore, is a combined procedure of ab interno trabecular stenting followed by a cataract treatment. The stenting advantageously provides for aqueous drainage to maintain substantially balanced intraocular pressure during and after the procedure. Moreover, and advantageously, the combined procedure is fast, safe, and less expensive than currently available two-procedure modalities.
- Advantageously, the accompanying glaucoma (or lowering IOP) procedure provides the eye with a balanced intraocular pressure post-operatively without the need of an IOP-lowering drug that may complicate the surgical success of the intended cataract procedure. Another advantage is that, a single incision in the cornea or sclera may be used to perform both surgical procedures. Moreover, and desirably, the glaucoma (or elevated IOP) and cataract may be treated in a single visit operation that may be performed as an outpatient procedure with rapid visual recovery and greatly decreased morbidity.
- In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided for treating cataract of an eye while maintaining normal physiological intraocular pressure. The method comprising combination steps of establishing an opening through trabecular meshwork (also referred herein as “trabecular opening”) for maintaining normal physiological intraocular pressure, removing the cataract, and inserting an intraocular lens.
- One aspect of the invention provides a trabecular stent having a lumen therein for inserting within the opening through trabecular meshwork. The step of establishing the opening through trabecular meshwork is by an ab interno procedure, wherein the ab interno procedure comprises delivering the trabecular stent through an incision on a cornea of the eye remote from the trabecular opening. The incision may be self-sealing.
- The trabecular stent is adapted for implantation within a trabecular meshwork of an eye such that intraocular liquid flows controllably from an anterior chamber of the eye to Schlemm's canal. The trabecular stent may comprise a quantity of pharmaceuticals effective in treating glaucoma and/or cataract, which are controllably released from the device into cells of the trabecular meshwork and/or Schlemm's canal. Depending upon the specific treatment contemplated, pharmaceuticals may be utilized in conjunction with the trabecular stent such that liquid or aqueous flow either increases or decreases as desired. Placement of the trabecular stent within the eye and incorporation, and eventual release, of a proven pharmaceutical glaucoma therapy will reduce, inhibit or slow the effects of glaucoma and/or heal the injury from cataract procedure.
- Another aspect of the invention provides a method of treating glaucoma or eye diseases around trabecular meshwork. The method comprises providing at least one pharmaceutical substance incorporated into a trabecular stent, implanting the trabecular stent within a trabecular meshwork of an eye such that a first end of the trabecular stent is positioned in an anterior chamber of the eye while a second end is positioned in a Schlemm's canal, and allowing the stent to release a quantity of the pharmaceutical substance into the eye or eye tissue. The first and second ends of the trabecular stent establish a fluid communication between the anterior chamber and Schlemm's canal to assist maintaining a normal physiological intraocular pressure during or after the cataract procedure. The normal physiological intraocular pressure is maintained between about 10 mmHg and 21 mmHg.
- In another aspect of the invention, a method of regulating aqueous humor outflow within an eye is provided. The method comprises creating an incision in a trabecular meshwork of the eye, wherein the incision is substantially parallel with a circumference of a limbus of the eye, inserting an outlet section of a trabecular stent through the incision into Schlemm's canal such that the outlet section resides within Schlemm's canal while an inlet section of the trabecular stent resides in the anterior chamber, initiating an outflow of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber through the trabecular stent into Schlemm's canal, and continuously maintaining the outflow of aqueous humor during and after the cataract procedure so as to maintain a normal physiological intraocular pressure during or after the cataract procedure.
- Still another aspect of the invention provides a method of regulating intraocular pressure within an eye. The method comprises making an incision passing into a trabecular meshwork of the eye, wherein the incision is oriented lengthwise substantially parallel with a circumference of a limbus. The incision establishes a fluid communication between an anterior chamber and Schlemm's canal of the eye. The method further comprises implanting a hollow trabecular stent through the incision such that an outlet section of the trabecular stent resides within Schlemm's canal and an inlet section of the trabecular stent resides within the anterior chamber. The method still further comprises establishing a fluid transfer from the anterior chamber through the trabecular stent into Schlemm's canal.
- Another aspect of the invention provides a method of implanting a trabecular stent within an eye. The method known as an ab interno procedure herein comprises creating a first incision in a cornea on a first side of the eye, wherein the first incision passes through the cornea into an anterior chamber of the eye. The method further comprises passing (across or U-turnedly) an incising device through the first incision and moving a distal end of the incising device passing the anterior chamber to a trabecular meshwork residing on a second side of the eye, and using the incising device to create a second incision. The second incision is in the trabecular meshwork, passing from the anterior chamber through the trabecular meshwork into Schlemm's canal. In one alternate embodiment, the first incision in the cornea may be a very short distance from the second incision in the trabecular meshwork. The method further comprises inserting the trabecular stent into a distal space of a delivery applicator. The delivery applicator comprises a cannula portion having a distal end and a proximal end attached to a syringe portion. The cannula portion has at least one lumen and at least one irrigating hole disposed between proximal and distal ends of the cannula portion. The irrigating hole is in fluid communication with the lumen. The distal space comprises a holder that holds the trabecular stent device during delivery and releases the trabecular stent when a practitioner activates deployment mechanism of the stent device. The method further comprises advancing the cannula portion and the trabecular stent through the first incision, across or U-turnedly passing the anterior chamber and into the second incision, wherein an outlet section of the trabecular stent is implanted into Schlemm's canal while an inlet section of the trabecular stent remains in fluid communication with the anterior chamber. The method still further comprises releasing the trabecular stent from the holder of the delivery applicator.
- In accordance with some embodiments, a method is provided for treatment of cataract in combination with a glaucoma procedure while maintaining the intraocular pressure by permitting aqueous to flow out of an anterior chamber of the eye through a surgically stented pathway. A trabecular stent is adapted for implantation within the trabecular meshwork of an eye such that intraocular liquid flows controllably from the anterior chamber of the eye to Schlemm's canal, bypassing the trabecular meshwork. Depending upon the specific treatment contemplated, pharmaceuticals may be utilized in conjunction with the trabecular stent enabling post-cataract healing processes.
- The trabecular shunt may include a
pressure sensor 40 for measuring the pressure of the anterior chamber of an eye of a patient. Thepressure sensor 40 may further include an electromagnetic (e.g., radiofrequency)transmitter 41 for wirelessly transmitting pressure measurements to apressure receiver 42 outside the patient's body. - In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided of performing surgery to lower intraocular pressure of an eye. The method comprises the step of providing an opening into an anterior chamber of the eye. A first instrument is inserted into the anterior chamber through the opening. The first instrument is used to perform a surgical procedure other than for lowering intraocular pressure. The first instrument is removed from the anterior chamber. A second instrument is inserted into the anterior chamber through the opening. The second instrument is used to perform a surgical procedure for lowering intraocular pressure. The second instrument is removed from the anterior chamber.
- In accordance with another embodiment, a method is provided of performing surgery to lower intraocular pressure of an eye. The method comprises the step of providing an opening into an anterior chamber of the eye. A first instrument is inserted into the anterior chamber through the opening. The first instrument is used to perform a surgical procedure other than for lowering intraocular pressure. The first instrument is removed from the anterior chamber. A second instrument is inserted into the anterior chamber through the opening. The second instrument is used to implant a seton in a trabecular meshwork of the eye such that the seton conducts fluid from the anterior chamber to Schlemm's canal of the eye to lower intraocular pressure. The second instrument is removed from the anterior chamber without removing the seton from the trabecular meshwork.
- For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages and novel features of the invention have been described herein above. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught or suggested herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
- All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment(s) disclosed.
- Having thus summarized the general nature of the invention and some of its features and advantages, certain preferred embodiments and modifications thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description herein having reference to the figures that follow, of which:
-
FIG. 1 is a coronal, cross-sectional view of an eye; -
FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an anterior chamber angle of the eye ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an oblique elevation view of a trabecular stent device having features and advantages in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 4 is an oblique elevation view of a trabecular stent device having features and advantages in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 5 is a close-up, cut-away view of an inlet section of the trabecular stent device ofFIGS. 3 and 4 , illustrating a flow-restricting member retained within a lumen of the trabecular stent device and having features and advantages in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 6 is an oblique elevation view illustrating the placement of one end of the trabecular stent device ofFIG. 3 through a trabecular meshwork in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 7 is an oblique elevation view of a preferred implantation of the trabecular stent device ofFIG. 3 through a trabecular meshwork in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 8 is an oblique elevation view illustrating the placement of one end of the trabecular stent device ofFIG. 3 through a trabecular meshwork, wherein the trabecular stent device is passed over a guidewire, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 9 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of a preferred method of implanting the trabecular stent device ofFIG. 3 within an eye and having features and advantages in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an anterior chamber angle of an eye, illustrating the trabecular stent device ofFIG. 3 positioned within a trabecular meshwork and having features and advantages in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 11 is a simplified schematic view of a lens of an eye; -
FIG. 12 is a top plan view of one embodiment of an anterior chamber intraocular lens; -
FIG. 13 is a side view of the intraocular lens ofFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 14 is a top plan view of one embodiment of a posterior chamber intraocular lens; -
FIG. 15 is a side view of the intraocular lens ofFIG. 14 ; -
FIG. 16 is a simplified graphical representation of the intraocular pressure (IOP) during and after cataract surgery and illustrating the benefits of a preferred pressure control scheme in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 17 is a simplified schematic view of a capsule of an eye after an extracapsular cataract extraction procedure; and -
FIG. 18 is a simplified schematic block diagram illustrating steps of a combined procedure for cataract and glaucoma treatment having features and advantages in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. - The preferred embodiments of the invention described herein relate particularly to a surgical treatment of cataract in combination with a surgical and therapeutic treatment of glaucoma through maintaining normal intraocular pressure. While the description sets forth various embodiment specific details, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative only and should not be construed in any way as limiting the invention. Furthermore, various applications of the invention, and modifications thereto, which may occur to those who are skilled in the art, are also encompassed by the general concepts described herein and below.
-
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of aneye 10, whileFIG. 2 is a close-up view showing the relative anatomical locations of atrabecular meshwork 21, ananterior chamber 20, and a Schlemm'scanal 22. Asclera 11 is a thick collagenous tissue which covers theentire eye 10 except a portion which is covered by acornea 12. Thecornea 12 is a thin transparent tissue that focuses and transmits light into the eye and through apupil 14, which is a circular hole in the center of an iris 13 (colored portion of the eye). Thecornea 12 merges into the sclera 11 at a juncture referred to as alimbus 15. Aciliary body 16 extends along the interior of thesclera 11 and is coextensive with achoroid 17. Thechoroid 17 is a vascular layer of theeye 10, located between the sclera 11 and aretina 18. Anoptic nerve 19 transmits visual information to the brain and is the anatomic structure that is progressively destroyed by glaucoma. - The
anterior chamber 20 of the eye 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2 ), which is bound anteriorly by thecornea 12 and posteriorly by theiris 13 and alens 26, is filled with aqueous humor (also herein referred to as “aqueous”). Aqueous is produced primarily by theciliary body 16, then moves anteriorly through thepupil 14 and reaches ananterior chamber angle 25, formed between theiris 13 and thecornea 12. - Referring in particular to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , in a normal eye, aqueous is removed from theanterior chamber 20 through thetrabecular meshwork 21. Aqueous passes through thetrabecular meshwork 21 into Schlemm'scanal 22 and thereafter through a plurality ofaqueous veins 23, which merge with blood-carrying veins, and into systemic venous circulation. Intraocular pressure (IOP) is maintained by an intricate balance between secretion and outflow of aqueous in the manner described above. Glaucoma is, in most cases, characterized by an excessive buildup of aqueous in theanterior chamber 20 which leads to an increase in intraocular pressure. Fluids are relatively incompressible, and thus intraocular pressure is distributed relatively uniformly throughout theeye 10. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , thetrabecular meshwork 21 is adjacent a small portion of thesclera 11. Exterior to thesclera 11 is aconjunctiva 24. Traditional procedures that create a hole or opening for implanting a device through the tissues of theconjunctiva 24 andsclera 11 involve extensive surgery, as compared to surgery for implanting a device, as described herein, which ultimately resides entirely within the confines of thesclera 11 andcornea 12. As discussed in greater detail below, in accordance with some embodiments, a trabecular stenting device is utilized for establishing an outflow pathway, passing through thetrabecular meshwork 21. -
FIG. 3 illustrates one preferred embodiment of atrabecular stenting device 31 which facilitates the outflow of aqueous from theanterior chamber 20 into Schlemm'scanal 22, and subsequently into the aqueous collectors and the aqueous veins so that intraocular pressure (IOP) is reduced. In the illustrated embodiment, thetrabecular stenting device 31 comprises aninlet section 2, having alumen 3″ with aninlet opening 3, amiddle section 4, and anoutlet section 9. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , themiddle section 4 may be an extension of, or may be coextensive with, theinlet section 2. Theoutlet section 9 is preferably somewhat flexible to facilitate positioning of theoutlet section 9 within an outflow pathway of theeye 10. Theoutlet section 9 is preferably substantially perpendicular to themiddle section 4. “Substantially perpendicular,” as used herein, is generally defined as subtending an angle between longitudinal axes of thesections device 31 further comprises at least onelumen 7 withinsections lumen 3″) ofsection 2, thereby facilitating transfer of aqueous through thedevice 31. - The trabecular stenting device 31 (
FIG. 3 ) of the preferred embodiments may be made of a biocompatible titanium material or titanium-containing alloy, such as Nitinol. In accordance with one aspect, the trabecular stent is coated with a compound having properties of anticoagulant, antiplatelet, antifibrin and antithrombus that is selected from a group consisting of heparin, warfarin, hirudin, heparinoid, argatroban, forskolin, vapiprost, prostacyclin, dextran, dipyridamole, thrombin inhibitor, and combinations thereof. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , theoutlet section 9 preferably has afirst outlet end 6 and a second,opposite outlet end 5. Thelumen 7 within theoutlet section 9 opens to at least one of the outlet ends 5,6. Furthermore, theoutlet section 9 may have a plurality ofside openings 77, each of which is in fluid communication with thelumen 7, for transmission of aqueous. Themiddle section 4 is connected to or coextensive with theoutlet section 9 and is disposed between thefirst outlet end 6 and thesecond outlet end 5. - In one preferred embodiment, the outlet section 9 (
FIG. 3 ) is curved around a point, or curve center, and themiddle section 4 extends substantially along a plane that contains the curve center. In this embodiment, theoutlet section 9 has a radius of curvature ranging between about 4 millimeters (mm) and about 10 mm. - Referring in particular to
FIG. 3 , as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, thelumen 7 and the remaining body of theoutlet section 9 may have a cross-sectional shape that is oval, circular, or other appropriate shape. The cross-sectional shapes of thelumen 7 and theoutlet section 9 preferably conform to the shape of the outflow pathway into which theoutlet section 9 is placed. The opening of thelumen 7 of the outlet ends 5,6 may be ovoid in shape to match the contour of Schlemm'scanal 22. Further, an outer contour of theoutlet section 9 may be elliptical (e.g., ovoid) in shape to match the contour of Schlemm'scanal 22. This serves to minimize rotational movement of theoutlet section 9 within Schlemm'scanal 22, and thereby stabilizes theinlet section 2 with respect to the iris and cornea. - In the illustrated embodiment of
FIG. 3 , acircumferential ridge 8 is provided at the junction of theinlet section 2 and themiddle section 4 to facilitate stabilization of thedevice 31 once implanted within theeye 10. Preferably, themiddle section 4 has a length (between theridge 8 and the outlet section 9) that is roughly equal to a thickness of thetrabecular meshwork 21, which typically ranges between about 100 microns or micrometers (μm) and about 300 μm. In addition, theoutlet section 9 may advantageously be formed with a protuberance or spur projecting therefrom so as to further stabilize thedevice 31 within theeye 10 without undue suturing. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a modified embodiment of atrabecular stent 31A which facilitates the outflow of aqueous from theanterior chamber 20 into Schlemm'scanal 22, and subsequently into the aqueous collectors and the aqueous veins so that intraocular pressure is reduced. Thedevice 31A comprises aninlet section 2A, amiddle section 4A, and anoutlet section 9A. Thedevice 31A further comprises at least one lumen 3A traversing thesections inlet section 2A through thedevice 31A. - Referring in particular to
FIG. 4 , theoutlet section 9A has opposed ends 5A, 6A. Theoutlet section 9A is preferably curved, and may also be somewhat flexible, to facilitate positioning of theoutlet section 9A within an existing outflow pathway of theeye 10. Theoutlet section 9A further comprises anelongate trough 7A for transmitting, or venting, aqueous. Theelongate trough 7A is connected to and in fluid communication with the lumen 3A within thetrabecular stenting device 31A. - In the illustrated embodiment of
FIG. 4 , acircumferential ridge 8A is provided at the junction of theinlet section 2A and themiddle section 4A to facilitate stabilization of thedevice 31A once implanted within theeye 10. Preferably, themiddle section 4A has a length (between theridge 8A and theoutlet section 9A) that is roughly equal to the thickness of thetrabecular meshwork 21, which typically ranges between about 100 μm and about 300 μm. In addition, theoutlet section 9A may advantageously be formed with a protuberance or barb projecting therefrom so as to further stabilize thedevice 31A within theeye 10 without undue suturing. - As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the devices 31 (
FIG. 3) and 31A (FIG. 4 ) may advantageously be practiced with a variety of sizes and shapes without departing from the scope of the invention. Depending upon the distance between theanterior chamber 20 and the drainage vessel (e.g., a vein) contemplated, thedevices devices lumens 7, 3A having diameters ranging between about 20 μm and about 250 μm, respectively. In addition, thedevices - Still referring in particular to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , theinlet sections middle sections inlet sections middle sections -
FIG. 5 is a close-up view of theinlet section 2 and/or 2A of thetrabecular stenting device 31 and/or 31A, illustrating a flow-restrictingmember 72 which is tightly retained within a lumen 78 (or 3″). In the illustrated embodiment, the flow-restrictingmember 72 is shown located close to aninlet side 71 of theinlet section 2 and/or 2A. The flow-restrictingmember 72 serves to selectively restrict at least one component in blood from moving retrograde, i.e., from the outlet section 9 (FIG. 3 ) and/or 9A (FIG. 4 ) into theanterior chamber 20 of theeye 10. - In modified embodiments, the flow-restricting member 72 (
FIG. 5 ) may be situated in any location within thedevice 31 and/or 31A such that blood flow is restricted from retrograde motion. More than one flow-restrictingmember 72 may also be efficaciously used, as needed or desired. The flow-restrictingmember 72 may, in some embodiments, be a filter made of a material selected from the following filter materials: expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, cellulose, ceramic, glass, Nylon, plastic, and fluorinated material such as polyvinylidene fluoride (“PVDF”) (trade name: Kynar, by DuPont), and combinations thereof. - The trabecular stenting devices 31 (
FIG. 3 ) and/or 31A (FIG. 4 ) may be made by molding, thermo-forming, or other micro-machining techniques, among other techniques. Thetrabecular stenting devices device - Biocompatible materials which may be used for the devices 31 (
FIG. 3 ) and/or 31A (FIG. 4 ) preferably include, but are not limited to, titanium, medical grade silicone, e.g., Silastic™, available from Dow Coming Corporation of Midland, Mich.; and polyurethane, e.g., Pellethane™, also available from Dow Corning Corporation. - In other embodiments, the devices 31 (
FIG. 3 ) and/or 31A (FIG. 4 ) may comprise other types of biocompatible material, such as, by way of example, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, collagen, heparinized collagen, polytetrafluoroethylene, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated polymer, fluorinated elastomer, flexible fused silica, polyolefin, polyester, polysilicon, and/or a mixture of the aforementioned biocompatible materials, and the like. In still other embodiments, composite biocompatible material may be used, wherein a surface material may be used in addition to one or more of the aforementioned materials. For example, such a surface material may include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (such as Teflon™), polyimide, hydrogel, heparin, therapeutic drugs (such as beta-adrenergic antagonists and other anti-glaucoma drugs, or antibiotics), and the like. - The polymer in accordance with the preferred embodiments should be biocompatible, for example a polymeric material which, in the amounts employed, is non-toxic and chemically inert as well as substantially non-immunogenic and non-inflammatory. Suitable polymeric materials can include, but are not limited to, polycaprolactone (PCL), poly-D,L-lactic acid (DL-PLA), poly-L-lactic acid (L-PLA), poly(lactide-co-glycolide), poly(hydroxybutyrate), poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate), polydioxanone, polyorthoester, polyanhydride, poly(glycolic acid), poly(glycolic acid-cotrimethylene carbonate), polyphosphoester, polyphosphoester urethane, poly(amino acids), cyanoacrylates, poly(trimethylene carbonate), poly(iminocarbonate), copoly(ether-esters), polyalkylene oxalates, polyphosphazenes, polyiminocarbonates, and aliphatic polycarbonates, fibrin, fibrinogen, cellulose, starch, collagen, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl alcohol, silicone, polyethylene oxide, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)-co-PEG, PCL-co-PEG, PLA-co-PEG, polyacrylates, polyoxaesters, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polyacrylamide (PAAm), and combinations thereof.
- As is well known in the art, a device coated or loaded with a slow-release substance can have prolonged effects on local tissue surrounding the device. The slow-release delivery can be designed such that an effective amount of substance is released over a desired duration. “Substance,” as used herein, is generally defined as any therapeutic or active drug that can stop, mitigate, slow-down or reverse undesired disease processes.
- In one embodiment, the stent devices 31 (
FIG. 3 ) and/or 31A (FIG. 4 ) may be made of a biodegradable (also including bioerodible) material admixed with a substance for substance slow-release into ocular tissues. In another embodiment, polymer films may function as substance containing release devices whereby the polymer films may be coupled or secured to thedevices 31 and/or 31A. The polymer films may be designed to permit the controlled release of the substance at a chosen rate and for a selected duration, which may also be episodic or periodic. Such polymer films may be synthesized such that the substance is bound to the surface or resides within a pore in the film so that the substance is relatively protected from enzymatic attack. The polymer films may also be modified to alter their hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity and vulnerability to platelet adhesion and enzymatic attack. - Furthermore, the film may be coupled (locally or remotely) to a power source such that when substance delivery is desired, a brief pulse of current is provided to alter the potential on the film to cause the release of a particular amount of the substance for a chosen duration. Application of current causes release of a substance from the surface of the film or from an interior location in the film such as within a pore. The rate of substance delivery is altered depending on the degree of substance loading on the film, the voltage applied to the film, and by modifying the chemical synthesis of substance delivery polymer film.
- The power-activated substance delivery polymer film may be designed to be activated by an electromagnetic field, such as, by way of example, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), or short range Radio Frequency (RF) transmission (such as Bluetooth). In addition, ultrasound can be used to cause a release of a particular amount of substance for a chosen duration. This is particularly applicable to a substance coated device or a device made of a substrate containing the desired substance.
- The stent devices 31 (
FIG. 3 ) and/or 31A (FIG. 4 ) may be used for a direct release of pharmaceutical preparations into ocular tissues. As discussed above, the pharmaceuticals may be compounded within thedevices 31 and/or 31A or form a coating on thedevices 31 and/or 31A. Any known drug therapy for glaucoma may be utilized, including but not limited to, the following. - U.S. Pat. No. 6,274,138 B1, issued Aug. 14, 2001, to Bandman et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,853 B1, issued May 15, 2001, to Hillman et al., the entire contents of each one of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, disclose the function of mitochondria and toxic substances synthesized as a metabolic byproduct within mitochondria of cells. Perry and associates (Perry H D et al. “Topical cyclosporin A in the management of postkeratoplasty glaucoma” Cornea 16:284-288, 1997, hereby incorporated by reference herein) report that topical cyclosporin-A has been shown to reduce post-surgical increases in intraocular pressure. It is proposed that such compounds with known effects on mitochondrial stability might be effective in treating trabecular meshwork. An antagonistic drug to neutralize the toxic byproduct or a stabilizing drug to effect mitochondrial stability is believed able to restore the mitochondria function and subsequently mitigate the dysfunction of the trabecular meshwork.
- Many types of open angle glaucoma exist; therefore, a number of potential therapeutic mitochondrial interventions may be possible. It is one aspect of the invention to provide a method for stimulating mitochondrial survival/function to prevent demise and secondary apoptosis (that is, programmed cell death). In primary open angle glaucoma, the intraocular pressure increases in response to a decrease in the outflow of aqueous. Research has shown that the number of juxtacanalicular endothelial cells in Schlemm's canal is lower in individuals with glaucoma compared to normals (Grierson I et al., “Age-related changes in the canal of Schlemm” Exp Eye Res, 1984; 39(4):505-512, hereby incorporated by reference herein). Since these cells are involved in the energy-dependent egress of aqueous, their demise results in elevated intraocular pressure. Therefore, the mitochondrial treatment objectives for glaucoma preferably include not only the prevention of further endothelial cell death, but also the restoration or boosting of mitochondrial function in the remaining cells. The cells may be made more resilient to elevated intraocular pressure with mitochondrial stimulating therapy by drug slow release. A monoamine oxidase inhibitor, deprenyl, that has been used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease may play a role in reducing neuronal apoptosis in glaucoma; Tatton in U.S. Pat. No. 5,981,598, issued Nov. 9, 1999, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, states that the primary metabolite of deprenyl, desmethyldeprenyl (DES) is involved in the maintenance of the mitochondrial membrane and prevents apoptotic degradation. It is one aspect of the invention to provide a method for prevention or slowing of apoptotic degradation of optic nerve cells or other cells in trabecular meshwork by administering an effective amount of compounds that energize the mitochondria in the neurons aids the cells by enabling them to better remove compounds that lead to their apoptotic degradation.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,201,001 B1, issued Mar. 13, 2001, to Wang et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses Imidazole antiproliferative agents useful for neovascular glaucoma.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,228,873 B1, issued May 8, 2001, to Brandt et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses a new class of compounds that inhibit function of sodium chloride transport in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, wherein the preferred compounds that are useful are furosemide, piretanide, benzmetanide, bumetanide, torsemide and derivatives thereof.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,194,415 B1, issued Feb. 27, 2001, to Wheeler et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses a method of using quinoxalines (2-imidazolin-2-ylamino) in treating neural injuries (e.g. glaucomatous nerve damage).
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,060,463, issued May 9, 2000, to Freeman and U.S. Pat. No. 5,869,468, issued Feb. 9, 1999, to Freeman, the entire contents of each one of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, disclose treatment of conditions of abnormally increased intraocular pressure by administration of phosphonylmethoxyalkyl nucleotide analogs and related nucleotide analogs.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,925,342, issued Jul. 20, 1999, to Adorante et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses a method for reducing intraocular pressure by administration of potassium channel blockers.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,814,620, issued Sep. 29, 1998, to Robinson et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses a method of reducing neovascularization and of treating various disorders associated with neovascularization. These methods include administering to a tissue or subject a synthetic oligonucleotide.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,767,079, issued Jun. 16, 1998, to Glaser et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses a method for treatment of ophthalmic disorders by applying an effective amount of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-beta or TGF-β) to the affected region.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,663,205, issued Sep. 2, 1997, to Ogawa et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses a pharmaceutical composition for use in glaucoma treatment which contains an active ingredient 5-[1-hydroxy-2-[2-(2-methoxyphenoxyl)ethylamino]ethyl]-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide. This agent is free from side effects, and stable and has an excellent intraocular pressure reducing activity at its low concentrations, thus being useful as a pharmaceutical composition for use in glaucoma treatment.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,652,236, issued Jul. 29, 1997, to Krauss, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses pharmaceutical compositions and a method for treating glaucoma and/or ocular hypertension in the mammalian eye by administering thereto a pharmaceutical composition which contains as the active ingredient one or more compounds having guanylate cyclase inhibition activity. Examples of guanylate cyclase inhibitors utilized in the pharmaceutical composition and method of treatment are methylene blue, butylated hydroxyanisole and N-methylhydroxylamine.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,993, issued Aug. 20, 1996, to Miki, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses that 2-(4-methylaminobutoxy)diphenylmethane or a hydrate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof have been found useful for treating glaucoma.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,502,052, issued Mar. 26, 1996, to DeSantis, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses use of a combination of apraclonidine and timolol to control intraocular pressure. The compositions contain a combination of an alpha-2 agonist (e.g., para-amino clonidine) and a beta blocker (e.g., betaxolol).
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,184,250 B1, issued Feb. 6, 2001, to Klimko et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses use of cloprostenol and fluprostenol analogues to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The method comprises topically administering to an affected eye a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a combination of a first compound selected from the group consisting of beta-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, adrenergic agonists, and cholinergic agonists; together with a second compound.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,458, issued Dec. 12, 2000, to Bowman et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses an ophthalmic composition that provides sustained release of a water soluble medicament formed by comprising a crosslinked carboxy-containing polymer, a medicament, a sugar and water.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,912, issued Aug. 29, 2000, to Kaufman et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses methods for the treatment of glaucoma by administering an ophthalmic preparation comprising an effective amount of a non-corneotoxic serine-threonine kinase inhibitor, thereby enhancing aqueous outflow in the eye and treatment of the glaucoma. In some embodiments, the method of administration is topical, whereas it is intracameral in other embodiments. In still further embodiments, the method of administration is intracanalicular.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,177,427 B1, issued Jan. 23, 2001, to Clark et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses compositions of non-steroidal glucocorticoid antagonists for treating glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,952,378, issued Sep. 14, 1999, to Stjernschantz et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses the use of prostaglandins for enhancing the delivery of drugs through the uveoscleral route to the optic nerve head for treatment of glaucoma or other diseases of the optic nerve as well as surrounding tissue. The method for enhancing the delivery to the optic nerve head comprises contacting a therapeutically effective amount of a composition containing one or more prostaglandins and one or more drug substances with the eye at certain intervals.
- One preferred method for increasing aqueous outflow in the eye 10 (
FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of a patient, to reduce intraocular pressure therein, comprises bypassing thetrabecular meshwork 21. Though much of the discussion below refers to thedevice 31 ofFIG. 3 , the skilled artisan will readily appreciate that thedevice 31A ofFIG. 4 may be efficaciously utilized in a substantially similar manner. - In operation, the
middle section 4 of the device 31 (FIG. 3 ) is advantageously placed across thetrabecular meshwork 21 through a slit or opening. This opening can be created by using a laser, a knife, or other suitable surgical cutting instrument. The opening may advantageously be substantially horizontal, i.e., extending longitudinally in the same direction as the circumference of the limbus 15 (FIG. 2 ). Other opening directions may also be efficaciously used, as needed or desired. The opening may advantageously be oriented at any angle, relative to the circumference of thelimbus 15, that is appropriate for inserting thedevice 31 through thetrabecular meshwork 21 and into Schlemm'scanal 22 or other outflow pathway, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. - Referring in particular to
FIG. 3 , themiddle section 4 may be semi-flexible and/or adjustable in position relative to theinlet section 2 and/or theoutlet section 9, further adapting thedevice 31 for simple and safe glaucoma implantation. Furthermore, theoutlet section 9 may be positioned into fluid collection channels of the natural outflow pathways. Such natural outflow pathways include Schlemm'scanal 22, aqueous collector channels, aqueous veins, and episcleral veins. Theoutlet section 9 may be positioned into fluid collection channels up to at least the level of the aqueous veins, with the device inserted in a retrograde or antegrade fashion. -
FIG. 6 generally illustrates one step in the implantation of thetrabecular stenting device 31 through thetrabecular meshwork 21. Theoutlet section 9 of thedevice 31 is inserted into anopening 61 in thetrabecular meshwork 21. A practitioner or surgeon may create theopening 61 “ab intern” from theinterior surface 65 of thetrabecular meshwork 21. The practitioner then advances thefirst outlet end 6 of theoutlet section 9 through theopening 61 into a first side of Schlemm'scanal 22 or other suitable outflow pathway within theeye 10. Next, the practitioner advances thesecond outlet end 5 through theopening 61 and into a second side of Schlemm'scanal 22. The advancing of thesecond outlet end 5 may be facilitated by slightly pushing thesecond outlet end 5 through theopening 61. -
FIG. 7 generally illustrates a further stage in deployment of thedevice 31, wherein theentire outlet section 9 of thedevice 31 is implanted within Schlemm'scanal 22, beneath thetrabecular meshwork 21. At this stage, thelumen 3″ (or inlet opening 3) of the implanteddevice 31 provides an enhanced fluid communication through thetrabecular meshwork 21 and between the anterior chamber 20 (FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and Schlemm'scanal 22. -
FIG. 8 shows an additional and/or modified step in the implantation of thetrabecular stenting device 31 through thetrabecular meshwork 21. The practitioner inserts adistal end 63 of aguidewire 64 through theopening 61 into the first side Schlemm'scanal 22. The practitioner then advances thefirst outlet end 6 of theoutlet section 9 into Schlemm'scanal 22 by “riding,” or advancing, thetrabecular stenting device 31 on theguidewire 64. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, theguidewire 64 will have a shape and size conforming to the shape and size of thelumen 7; and as such, may have an elliptical (e.g., oval) shape, a D-shape, a round shape, or an irregular (asymmetric) shape which is adapted for nonrotatory engagement with or for thedevice 31. - One method for increasing aqueous outflow within the
eye 10 of a patient, and thus reduce intraocular pressure therein, comprises: (a) creating an opening in thetrabecular meshwork 21, wherein thetrabecular meshwork 21 includes a deep side and a superficial side; (b) inserting thetrabecular stenting device 31 into the opening; and (c) transmitting aqueous or intraocular liquid through thedevice 31, to bypass thetrabecular meshwork 21, from the deep side to the superficial side of thetrabecular meshwork 21. This “transmitting” of aqueous or intraocular liquid is preferably passive, i.e., aqueous or intraocular liquid flows out of theanterior chamber 20 due to a pressure gradient between theanterior chamber 20 and the aqueousvenous system 23. - Another method for increasing aqueous outflow within the
eye 10 of a patient, and thus reduce intraocular pressure therein, comprises a) providing at least one pharmaceutical substance incorporated into a trabecular stenting device at about the middle section of the device; b) implanting the trabecular stenting device within a trabecular meshwork of an eye such that the middle section is configured substantially within the trabecular meshwork, the stenting device having a first end positioned in an anterior chamber of the eye while a second end is positioned inside a Schlemm's canal, wherein the first and the second ends of the trabecular stenting device establish a fluid communication between the anterior chamber and the Schlemm's canal; and c) allowing the middle section of the trabecular stenting device to release a quantity of said pharmaceutical substance into the trabecular meshwork. - It should be understood that the devices 31 (
FIG. 3) and 31A (FIG. 4 ) are not limited to implantation within only Schlemm'scanal 22, as generally depicted by the embodiments ofFIGS. 6-8 . Rather, thedevices devices -
FIG. 9 generally illustrates a preferred method by which thetrabecular stenting device 31 is implanted within theeye 10. In the illustrated method, adelivery applicator 51 is provided, which preferably comprises asyringe portion 54 and acannula portion 55 which contains at least one lumen (not shown). Thecannula portion 55 preferably has a size of about 30 gauge. However, in other embodiments, thecannula portion 55 may have a size ranging between about 16 gauge and about 40 gauge. A distal section of thecannula portion 55 has at least one irrigatinghole 53 in fluid communication with the lumen. - Still referring in particular to
FIG. 9 , a holder for holding thedevice 31 comprises alumen 56 having aproximal end 57. In other embodiments, the holder may advantageously comprise a lumen, a sheath, a clamp, tongs, a space, and the like. Theproximal end 57 of thelumen 56 is preferably sealed off from the remaining lumen of thecannula portion 55 and the irrigatinghole 53 of thecannula portion 55. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, however, in other embodiments of thecannula portion 55, thelumen 56 may advantageously be placed in fluid communication with the lumen and irrigatinghole 53 of thecannula portion 55 without detracting from or limiting the scope of the invention. - In the method illustrated in
FIG. 9 , thedevice 31 is placed into thelumen 56 of thedelivery applicator 51 and then advanced to a desired implantation site within theeye 10. Thedelivery applicator 51 holds thedevice 31 securely during delivery and releases it when the practitioner initiates deployment of thedevice 31. - In one preferred embodiment of trabecular meshwork surgery, a patient is placed in a supine position, prepped, draped, and appropriately anesthetized. A small incision 52 (
FIG. 9 ) is then made through thecornea 12. In one embodiment, theincision 52 is made through thecornea 12 near or proximate to the limbus 15 (FIG. 2 ). In another embodiment, theincision 52 is made substantially at thelimbus 15. - The incision 52 (
FIG. 9 ) preferably has a surface length less than about 1.0 millimeters (mm) in length and may advantageously be self-sealing. Through theincision 52, thetrabecular meshwork 21 is accessed, wherein an incision is made with an irrigating knife (not shown). Thedevice 31 is then advanced through thecorneal incision 52 and across theanterior chamber 20, while thedevice 31 is held in thedelivery applicator 51, under gonioscopic, microscopic, or endoscopic guidance. After thedevice 31 is appropriately implanted, theapplicator 51 is withdrawn and the trabecular meshwork surgery is concluded. -
FIG. 10 generally illustrates the use of thetrabecular stenting device 31 for establishing an outflow pathway, passing from theanterior chamber 20 through thetrabecular meshwork 21 to Schlemm'scanal 22. As illustrated, an opening has been created in thetrabecular meshwork 21. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, such an opening in thetrabecular meshwork 21 may comprise an incision made with a microknife, a pointed guidewire, a sharpened applicator, a screw-shaped applicator, an irrigating applicator, a barbed applicator, and the like. In modified embodiments, thetrabecular meshwork 21 may advantageously be dissected with an instrument similar to a retinal pick or microcurette. Furthermore, the opening may advantageously be created by fiber optic laser ablation. - Referring again to
FIG. 10 , theoutlet section 9 of thedevice 31 has been inserted in its entirety into the opening in thetrabecular meshwork 21. Theinlet section 2 is exposed to theanterior chamber 20, while theoutlet section 9 is positioned near aninterior surface 43 of Schlemm'scanal 22. In other embodiments, theoutlet section 9 may advantageously be placed into fluid communication with other natural outflow pathways, such as, but not limited to, aqueous collector channels, aqueous veins, and episcleral veins, as described above. A device such as thedevice 31A ofFIG. 4 , wherein theoutflow section 9A has anopen trough 7A for stenting purposes, may be used to maintain an opening of one or more of such natural outflows pathways. With thetrabecular stenting device 31 implanted as illustrated inFIG. 10 , aqueous flows from theanterior chamber 20 through thedevice 31 into Schlemm'scanal 22, bypassing thetrabecular meshwork 21, thereby reducing intraocular pressure within theeye 10. - A number of devices and methods for treating glaucoma and/or reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) may be utilized in conjunction with the preferred embodiments. For example, a seton generally comprising a tubular member or tube with opposed open ends may be used in trabecular meshwork surgery to provide an outflow pathway for intraocular liquid to lower IOP. In cases, where temporary lowering of IOP is desired, for example, during surgery other than that for glaucoma or chronic high IOP, an incision or opening may be created in the trabecular meshwork to provide an outflow pathway for intraocular liquid to temporarily lower IOP during surgery. This incision may then “fill in” over time to restore the trabecular meshwork to its normal state.
- The following co-pending patent applications disclose devices and methods for treating glaucoma and/or reducing intraocular pressure (IOP), among other things, the entire contents of each one of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein:
- U.S. application Ser. No. 09/549,350, filed Apr. 14, 2000, entitled APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING GLAUCOMA;
- U.S. application Ser. No. 09/596,781, filed Jun. 19, 2000, entitled STENTED TRABECULAR SHUNT AND METHODS THEREOF;
- U.S. application Ser. No. 09/704,276, filed Nov. 1, 2000, entitled GLAUCOMA TREATMENT DEVICE;
- U.S. application Ser. No. 09/847,523, filed May 2, 2001, entitled BIFURCATABLE TRABECULAR SHUNT FOR GLAUCOMA TREATMENT;
- U.S. application Ser. No. 10/046,137, filed Nov. 8, 2001, entitled DRUG RELEASING TRABECULAR IMPLANT FOR GLAUCOMA TREATMENT;
- U.S. application Ser. No. 10/101,548, filed Mar. 18, 2002, entitled APPLICATOR AND METHODS FOR PLACING A TRABECULAR SHUNT FOR GLAUCOMA TREATMENT;
- U.S. application Ser. No. 10/118,578, filed Apr. 8, 2002, entitled GLAUCOMA STENT AND METHODS THEREOF FOR GLAUCOMA TREATMENT;
- U.S. application Ser. No. 10/137,117, filed May 1, 2002, entitled GLAUCOMA DEVICE AND METHODS THEREOF; and
- U.S. application Ser. No. 10/139,800, filed May 3, 2002, entitled MEDICAL DEVICE AND METHODS OF USE FOR GLAUCOMA TREATMENT.
- Referring in particular to
FIG. 11 , the transparency of thelens 26 of theeye 10 generally depends on the physiochemical state of the lens proteins. These proteins, like the proteins of other organs, are sensitive to changes in the properties of their surrounding fluid. Changes in the concentration of dissolved salts, in the osmotic pressure, in the pH or in the enzyme activity of the surrounding fluid can alter the properties of the lens proteins. Also, like other organs, changes to the proteins of the lens occur with age. A common type of cataract that occurs in elderly people is known as a senile cataract. This type of cataract has no known etiology and none of the forms of cataract produced experimentally to date closely resemble the senile cataract. - Still referring to
FIG. 11 , thelens 26 of thehuman eye 10 is a crystalline lens that generally comprises anouter capsule 112 with anterior andposterior surfaces lens 26 containing a clearcentral matrix 118. Thiscentral matrix 118 often opacifies with age and for various other reasons (some of which have been mentioned above) and thereby progressively blocks the passage of light to theretina 18 of theeye 10. Eventually, thecentral matrix 118 attains a degree of opacity which is referred to as a cataract. This abnormal ocular condition is corrected by removing the lens, which is a procedure known as cataract extraction, and replacing the lens by an artificial lens for focusing the light entering theeye 10 on theretina 18. Intraocular lenses have gained widespread acceptance as replacements for cataracted human lenses. - Artificial intraocular lenses generally comprise an optical region and a support, or haptic, to facilitate positioning and centering of the intraocular lens within the eye. Intraocular lenses have been made from a number of different materials. For example, hard lenses have been prepared from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and optical glass while flexible lenses have been prepared from silicone, polyHEMA (polyhydroxyethylmethylmethacrylate), acrylics, collagen, and combinations thereof. Flexible lenses have the advantage that they can be folded or otherwise deformed prior to implantation to reduce the overall size of the lens during the artificial lens implantation procedure through an incision in the cornea or limbus. As discussed above and further below, this small incision enables placement of a glaucoma stent passing the anterior chamber into a trabecular meshwork opening.
- Artificial intraocular lenses are generally categorized as anterior chamber intraocular lenses and posterior chamber intraocular lenses depending on the implant locations. For example, Leiske in U.S. Pat. No. 4,560,383, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses several embodiments of an anterior chamber intraocular lens that can be utilized in both primary and secondary implantations with either intracapsular or extracapsular cataract extractions. The lens is made of PMMA material that is low-mass, low-weight with reduced possibility of reaction and internal stress due to eye movement or sudden movement.
-
FIGS. 12 and 13 show different views of one embodiment of an anterior chamberintraocular lens device 120. Thelens 120 generally comprises alens optic 122 and a pair of flexible opposingloops - Further, for example, Faulkner in U.S. Pat. No. 4,366,582, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses several embodiments of a posterior chamber intraocular lens. Faulkner's lens is provided with a structure for engaging the anterior surface of the iris to retain the lens against posterior displacement within the eye, even if the capsule is missing or damaged.
-
FIGS. 14 and 15 show different views of one embodiment of a posterior chamberintraocular lens device 130. Thelens 130 generally comprises an optic 132,support elements 134 and retainingelements 136. - Many other types of anterior chamber intraocular lens and posterior chamber intraocular lens as known in the art and/or commercially available may efficaciously be utilized in conjunction with the surgical procedures taught or suggested herein. These lenses may be implanted in the anterior chamber or posterior chamber of the eye, as needed or desired.
- During cataract surgery, typically the intraocular pressure is generally maintained by injecting viscoelastic fluid or physiological saline at a pre-specified pressure range (PN in
FIG. 16 ). However, the pressure frequently undesirably spikes (as illustrated byline 140 inFIG. 16 ) to a high pressure or pressure range PH after closing the incision in the cornea (or limbus) because of “plugging” of the viscoelastic fluid. For a glaucoma patient, the combination of thepressure spike 140 and the inherent high intraocular pressure, possibly due to intolerance of glaucoma drugs post-operatively, complicates recovery of the cataract operations. - It is one aspect of the invention to provide a method of treating cataract of an eye while maintaining normal physiological intraocular pressure (PN in
FIG. 16 ). The method generally comprising combination steps of establishing an opening through trabecular meshwork, removing the cataract, and inserting an intraocular lens, wherein the opening through trabecular meshwork comprises a trabecular stent having a lumen therein with optionally drug slow-releasing capability. The normal physiological intraocular pressure PN is preferably maintained between about 10 mm Hg (mercury) and 21 mm Hg, during and after the completion of the surgical procedure. - The method may further comprise measuring and transmitting pressure of the anterior chamber of an eye, wherein the trabecular shunt comprises a
pressure sensor 40 for measuring and transmitting pressure. The means for measuring and transmitting pressure of an anterior chamber of an eye to anexternal receiver 42 may be incorporated within a device that is placed inside the anterior chamber for sensing and transmitting the intraocular pressure. Any suitable micro pressure sensor or pressure sensor chip known to those of skill in the art may be utilized. - One modern technique for removing the central opaque part of the lens or cataract is a procedure called phacoemulsification. Typically, the pupil is dilated to facilitate access to the cataract. In the phacoemulsification procedure, a sophisticated ultrasonic titanium tipped instrument is introduced into the eye through an incision and passes through the anterior chamber. This titanium tip is ultrasonically vibrated against the lens in a manner which emulsifies the opaque central matrix of the lens.
- The emulsified matrix is then aspirated (using the same or different instrument) from the
eye 10, and as best illustrated inFIG. 17 , leaving the original posterior capsule orsurface 116 of the lens intact with a small anterior capsular remnant orsurface 114″. When thecapsule 112 or part of thecapsule 112 is thus left inside theeye 10, the procedure is called extracapsular cataract extraction. - As illustrated by
FIG. 17 , extracapsular extraction allows the intraocular lens to be placed behind theiris 13 either in the space known as aciliary sulcus 150, that is the space immediately behind theiris 13 and in front of theanterior capsule remnant 114″ or in a space known as thecapsular bag 160, that is between aposterior surface 162 of the anteriorcapsular flap 114″ and ananterior surface 164 of theposterior capsule 116. -
FIG. 18 shows a schematic diagram illustrating steps of a combined procedure for cataract and glaucoma treatment which advantageously controls or regulates the intraocular pressure (IOP) within a predetermined range. In some embodiments, the intraocular pressure is controlled during and after the surgical procedure. In other embodiments, the intraocular pressure is controlled only during a portion of the surgical procedure and after the surgical procedure. In yet other embodiments, the intraocular pressure is controlled only after the surgical procedure. - Preferably, an ab interno glaucoma procedure comprises one of the pre-cataract procedures. Optionally, an ab externo procedure may be utilized to lower IOP or treat glaucoma, as needed or desired.
- In other embodiments, other pre-cataract procedures may include goniotomy, trabeculotomy, trabeculopuncture, goniophotoablation, laser trabecular ablation and goniocurretage. These embodiments and variations thereof can have numerous disadvantages and sub-optimal success rates because of undesirable tissue filling in.
- As illustrated by
FIG. 18 , a stented ab interno glaucoma procedure (or lowering IOP procedure) may be conducted as a pre-cataract procedure in the cataract/glaucoma combination procedure. In other embodiments, the glaucoma procedure (or lowering IOP procedure) may be performed after the cataract surgery or procedure. In yet other embodiments, the glaucoma procedure (or lowering IOP procedure) may be combined with (before or after) other types of eye surgeries or procedures, for example, retinal surgery, vitrectomy, among others. - Referring in particular to
FIG. 18 , the accompanying ab interno glaucoma procedure comprises astep 81 of creating an incision on a sclera or cornea wall; astep 82 of delivering or providing an applicator having atrabecular stent 82; astep 83 of creating an opening through trabecular meshwork; and astep 84 of placing a trabecular stent over or through the opening while maintaining the intraocular pressure (IOP) peri-operatively. The opening in the trabecular meshwork may be made by a self-trephining stent, by the applicator itself or other cutting instrument as discussed above which is introduced through the incision in the cornea or sclera. - Still referring to
FIG. 18 , the main cataract procedure comprises astep 85 of extracting the diseased cataract lens; step 86 of maintaining the intraocular pressure peri-operatively within a specified range, step 87 of implanting an intraocular lens while maintaining IOP; and step 88 of securing the incision on the sclera or cornea wall while maintaining IOP. The step of extracting the cataract includes inserting an instrument (as described above) through the incision in the cornea or sclera. Advantageously, the accompanying glaucoma procedure provides the eye with a balanced intraocular pressure post-operatively instep 89 without the need of a IOP-lowering drug that may complicate the surgical success of the intended cataract procedure. - Advantageously, a single incision in the cornea or sclera may be used to perform both (or multiple) surgical procedures. Moreover, and desirably, the glaucoma and cataract may be treated in a single visit operation that may be performed as an outpatient procedure with rapid visual recovery and greatly decreased morbidity.
- It should be noted that even patients without high IOP (or glaucoma) may develop temporary glaucoma or high IOP due to edema or swelling caused by the cataract procedure or other eye surgery. In such cases, the stent can lower the IOP or a temporary opening may be created in the trabecular meshwork which fills in over time but temporarily allows lowering of the IOP for a certain time period.
- From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that a novel approach for the surgical treatment of glaucoma and cataract in one single operation (or one visit) has been disclosed for releasing excessive or elevated intraocular pressure and correcting or treating cataract. While the components, techniques and aspects of the invention have been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is manifest that many changes may be made in the specific designs, constructions and methodology herein above described without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.
- Various modifications and applications of the invention may occur to those who are skilled in the art, without departing from the true spirit or scope of the invention. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein for purposes of exemplification, but is to be defined only by a fair reading of the appended claims, including the full range of equivalency to which each element thereof is entitled.
Claims (26)
1. A method of performing surgery to lower intraocular pressure of an eye, comprising:
providing an opening into an anterior chamber of the eye;
inserting a first instrument into the anterior chamber through said opening;
using said first instrument to perform a surgical procedure other than for lowering intraocular pressure;
removing said first instrument from the anterior chamber;
inserting a second instrument into the anterior chamber through said opening;
using said second instrument to perform a surgical procedure for lowering intraocular pressure or measuring intraocular pressure; and
removing said second instrument from the anterior chamber.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the surgical procedure other than for lowering intraocular pressure is performed prior to the surgical procedure for lowering intraocular pressure.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the surgical procedure for lowering intraocular pressure is performed prior to the surgical procedure other than for lowering intraocular pressure.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the surgical procedure other than for lowering intraocular pressure is a surgery to treat a cataract.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the surgery to treat a cataract comprises phacoemulsification of a lens of the eye.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the surgical procedure for lowering intraocular pressure is a surgery to treat glaucoma.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the surgery to treat glaucoma comprises making an incision in a trabecular meshwork of the eye to provide outflow of intraocular liquid.
8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising closing said opening after said first and second instruments have been removed from the anterior chamber.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein said first instrument comprises an ultrasonic instrument.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein said second instrument comprises an applicator.
11. A method of performing surgery to lower intraocular pressure of an eye, comprising:
providing an opening into an anterior chamber of the eye;
inserting a first instrument into the anterior chamber through said opening;
using said first instrument to perform a surgical procedure other than for lowering intraocular pressure;
removing said first instrument from the anterior chamber;
inserting a second instrument into the anterior chamber through said opening;
using said second instrument to implant a seton in a trabecular meshwork of the eye such that the seton conducts fluid from the anterior chamber to Schlemm's canal of the eye to lower intraocular pressure; and
removing said second instrument from the anterior chamber without removing said seton from the trabecular meshwork.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the surgical procedure other than for lowering intraocular pressure is performed prior to using said second instrument to implant said seton.
13. The method of claim 11 , wherein using said second instrument to implant said seton is performed prior to the surgical procedure other than for lowering intraocular pressure.
14. The method of claim 11 , wherein the surgical procedure other than for lowering intraocular pressure is a surgery to treat a cataract.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the surgery to treat a cataract comprises phacoemulsification of a lens of the eye.
16. The method of claim 11 , wherein the lowering of intraocular pressure is a treatment for glaucoma.
17. The method of claim 11 , further comprising making an incision in the trabecular meshwork for receiving said seton.
18. The method of claim 11 , further comprising closing said opening after said first and second instruments have been removed from the anterior chamber.
19. The method of claim 11 , wherein said seton comprises a tube.
20. The method of claim 11 , wherein said seton comprises a cutting tip for making an incision in the trabecular meshwork.
21. The method of claim 11 , wherein said seton has a first end disposed in Schlemm's canal.
22. The method of claim 21 , wherein said seton has a second end disposed in the anterior chamber.
23. The method of claim 11 , wherein said first instrument comprises an ultrasonic instrument.
24. The method of claim 11 , wherein said second instrument comprises an applicator.
25. The method of claim 24 , wherein said applicator comprises an actuator to release said seton from said applicator.
26. The method of claim 11 , wherein the intraocular pressure is maintained between about 10 mm Hg to about 21 mm Hg.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/537,782 US20150223981A1 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2014-11-10 | Combined treatment for cataract and glaucoma treatment |
US16/279,133 US20190321225A1 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2019-02-19 | Combined treatment for cataract and glaucoma treatment |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US36498802P | 2002-03-15 | 2002-03-15 | |
US10/165,616 US7163543B2 (en) | 2001-11-08 | 2002-06-07 | Combined treatment for cataract and glaucoma treatment |
US11/653,815 US7951155B2 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2007-01-16 | Combined treatment for cataract and glaucoma treatment |
US13/118,338 US8882781B2 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2011-05-27 | Combined treatment for cataract and glaucoma treatment |
US14/537,782 US20150223981A1 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2014-11-10 | Combined treatment for cataract and glaucoma treatment |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/118,338 Continuation US8882781B2 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2011-05-27 | Combined treatment for cataract and glaucoma treatment |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/279,133 Continuation US20190321225A1 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2019-02-19 | Combined treatment for cataract and glaucoma treatment |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20150223981A1 true US20150223981A1 (en) | 2015-08-13 |
Family
ID=38054493
Family Applications (4)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/653,815 Expired - Lifetime US7951155B2 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2007-01-16 | Combined treatment for cataract and glaucoma treatment |
US13/118,338 Expired - Lifetime US8882781B2 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2011-05-27 | Combined treatment for cataract and glaucoma treatment |
US14/537,782 Abandoned US20150223981A1 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2014-11-10 | Combined treatment for cataract and glaucoma treatment |
US16/279,133 Abandoned US20190321225A1 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2019-02-19 | Combined treatment for cataract and glaucoma treatment |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/653,815 Expired - Lifetime US7951155B2 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2007-01-16 | Combined treatment for cataract and glaucoma treatment |
US13/118,338 Expired - Lifetime US8882781B2 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2011-05-27 | Combined treatment for cataract and glaucoma treatment |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/279,133 Abandoned US20190321225A1 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2019-02-19 | Combined treatment for cataract and glaucoma treatment |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (4) | US7951155B2 (en) |
Cited By (26)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN105434103A (en) * | 2015-12-29 | 2016-03-30 | 北京恒视远达医疗技术有限公司 | Miniature glaucoma drainage implant device and system |
US9301875B2 (en) | 2002-04-08 | 2016-04-05 | Glaukos Corporation | Ocular disorder treatment implants with multiple opening |
US9492320B2 (en) | 1999-04-26 | 2016-11-15 | Glaukos Corporation | Shunt device and method for treating ocular disorders |
US9554940B2 (en) | 2012-03-26 | 2017-01-31 | Glaukos Corporation | System and method for delivering multiple ocular implants |
US9572963B2 (en) | 2001-04-07 | 2017-02-21 | Glaukos Corporation | Ocular disorder treatment methods and systems |
US9855167B2 (en) | 2012-03-20 | 2018-01-02 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Ocular delivery systems and methods |
US9993368B2 (en) | 2000-04-14 | 2018-06-12 | Glaukos Corporation | System and method for treating an ocular disorder |
US10285856B2 (en) | 2001-08-28 | 2019-05-14 | Glaukos Corporation | Implant delivery system and methods thereof for treating ocular disorders |
US10299958B2 (en) | 2015-03-31 | 2019-05-28 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Ocular delivery systems and methods |
US10314742B2 (en) | 2006-06-26 | 2019-06-11 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Intraocular implants and methods and kits therefor |
US10406030B2 (en) | 2010-02-05 | 2019-09-10 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Intraocular implants and related kits and methods |
US10406029B2 (en) | 2001-04-07 | 2019-09-10 | Glaukos Corporation | Ocular system with anchoring implant and therapeutic agent |
US10485701B2 (en) | 2002-04-08 | 2019-11-26 | Glaukos Corporation | Devices and methods for glaucoma treatment |
US10517759B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2019-12-31 | Glaukos Corporation | Glaucoma stent and methods thereof for glaucoma treatment |
US10959941B2 (en) | 2014-05-29 | 2021-03-30 | Glaukos Corporation | Implants with controlled drug delivery features and methods of using same |
US11019996B2 (en) | 2015-03-20 | 2021-06-01 | Glaukos Corporation | Gonioscopic devices |
US11116625B2 (en) | 2017-09-28 | 2021-09-14 | Glaukos Corporation | Apparatus and method for controlling placement of intraocular implants |
USD938585S1 (en) | 2017-10-27 | 2021-12-14 | Glaukos Corporation | Implant delivery apparatus |
US11253394B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2022-02-22 | Dose Medical Corporation | Controlled drug delivery ocular implants and methods of using same |
US11318043B2 (en) | 2016-04-20 | 2022-05-03 | Dose Medical Corporation | Bioresorbable ocular drug delivery device |
US11376040B2 (en) | 2017-10-06 | 2022-07-05 | Glaukos Corporation | Systems and methods for delivering multiple ocular implants |
US11504270B1 (en) | 2019-09-27 | 2022-11-22 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Ocular delivery systems and methods |
US11523938B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2022-12-13 | Glaukos Corporation | Systems and methods for delivering an ocular implant to the suprachoroidal space within an eye |
US11564833B2 (en) | 2015-09-25 | 2023-01-31 | Glaukos Corporation | Punctal implants with controlled drug delivery features and methods of using same |
US11744458B2 (en) | 2017-02-24 | 2023-09-05 | Glaukos Corporation | Gonioscopes |
US11925578B2 (en) | 2015-09-02 | 2024-03-12 | Glaukos Corporation | Drug delivery implants with bi-directional delivery capacity |
Families Citing this family (70)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7951155B2 (en) * | 2002-03-15 | 2011-05-31 | Glaukos Corporation | Combined treatment for cataract and glaucoma treatment |
US20040225250A1 (en) | 2003-05-05 | 2004-11-11 | Michael Yablonski | Internal shunt and method for treating glaucoma |
US7291125B2 (en) * | 2003-11-14 | 2007-11-06 | Transcend Medical, Inc. | Ocular pressure regulation |
EP1978892B1 (en) | 2006-01-17 | 2017-11-15 | Novartis Ag | Drug delivery treatment device |
ES2762239T3 (en) | 2006-01-17 | 2020-05-22 | Alcon Inc | Glaucoma treatment device |
US8852256B2 (en) | 2010-11-15 | 2014-10-07 | Aquesys, Inc. | Methods for intraocular shunt placement |
US8721702B2 (en) | 2010-11-15 | 2014-05-13 | Aquesys, Inc. | Intraocular shunt deployment devices |
US20120123316A1 (en) | 2010-11-15 | 2012-05-17 | Aquesys, Inc. | Intraocular shunts for placement in the intra-tenon's space |
US8506515B2 (en) | 2006-11-10 | 2013-08-13 | Glaukos Corporation | Uveoscleral shunt and methods for implanting same |
JP5328788B2 (en) | 2007-07-17 | 2013-10-30 | トランセンド・メディカル・インコーポレイテッド | Intraocular implant with hydrogel expansion capability |
US8734377B2 (en) | 2007-09-24 | 2014-05-27 | Ivantis, Inc. | Ocular implants with asymmetric flexibility |
US7740604B2 (en) * | 2007-09-24 | 2010-06-22 | Ivantis, Inc. | Ocular implants for placement in schlemm's canal |
US20170360609A9 (en) | 2007-09-24 | 2017-12-21 | Ivantis, Inc. | Methods and devices for increasing aqueous humor outflow |
US20090082862A1 (en) | 2007-09-24 | 2009-03-26 | Schieber Andrew T | Ocular Implant Architectures |
US8808222B2 (en) | 2007-11-20 | 2014-08-19 | Ivantis, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for delivering ocular implants into the eye |
US8512404B2 (en) * | 2007-11-20 | 2013-08-20 | Ivantis, Inc. | Ocular implant delivery system and method |
EP2259833A1 (en) | 2008-03-05 | 2010-12-15 | Ivantis, INC. | Methods and apparatus for treating glaucoma |
US8617139B2 (en) * | 2008-06-25 | 2013-12-31 | Transcend Medical, Inc. | Ocular implant with shape change capabilities |
WO2010065970A1 (en) * | 2008-12-05 | 2010-06-10 | Ivantis, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for delivering ocular implants into the eye |
EP2395951B1 (en) | 2009-01-28 | 2020-07-29 | Alcon Inc. | Ocular implant with stiffness qualities |
CA2766192C (en) | 2009-07-09 | 2017-10-24 | Ivantis, Inc. | Ocular implants for residing partially in schlemm's canal |
WO2011006078A1 (en) | 2009-07-09 | 2011-01-13 | Ivantis, Inc. | Single operator device for delivering an ocular implant |
CA2778452A1 (en) | 2009-10-23 | 2011-04-28 | Ivantis, Inc. | Ocular implant system and method |
EP2512389B1 (en) * | 2009-12-16 | 2015-09-02 | Allergan, Inc. | Intracameral devices for sustained delivery |
US8529492B2 (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2013-09-10 | Trascend Medical, Inc. | Drug delivery devices and methods |
US8545430B2 (en) | 2010-06-09 | 2013-10-01 | Transcend Medical, Inc. | Expandable ocular devices |
WO2011163505A1 (en) | 2010-06-23 | 2011-12-29 | Ivantis, Inc. | Ocular implants deployed in schlemm's canal of the eye |
US10842671B2 (en) | 2010-11-15 | 2020-11-24 | Aquesys, Inc. | Intraocular shunt placement in the suprachoroidal space |
US10022083B2 (en) | 2011-06-02 | 2018-07-17 | Abdulmohsen E. A. H. Al-Terki | Multiple oral and nasal surgical procedures method and kit |
US8387798B1 (en) | 2012-04-27 | 2013-03-05 | Abdulmohsen E. A. H. Al-Terki | Mutiple oral and nasal surgical procedures method and kit |
US10245178B1 (en) | 2011-06-07 | 2019-04-02 | Glaukos Corporation | Anterior chamber drug-eluting ocular implant |
US8657776B2 (en) | 2011-06-14 | 2014-02-25 | Ivantis, Inc. | Ocular implants for delivery into the eye |
US9610195B2 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2017-04-04 | Aquesys, Inc. | Intraocular shunt implantation methods and devices |
US10080682B2 (en) | 2011-12-08 | 2018-09-25 | Aquesys, Inc. | Intrascleral shunt placement |
US8852136B2 (en) | 2011-12-08 | 2014-10-07 | Aquesys, Inc. | Methods for placing a shunt into the intra-scleral space |
US9808373B2 (en) | 2013-06-28 | 2017-11-07 | Aquesys, Inc. | Intraocular shunt implantation |
US8663150B2 (en) | 2011-12-19 | 2014-03-04 | Ivantis, Inc. | Delivering ocular implants into the eye |
JP6008992B2 (en) * | 2012-02-13 | 2016-10-19 | イリデックス・コーポレーション | Reduction of intraocular pressure using a tubular clip |
US9358156B2 (en) | 2012-04-18 | 2016-06-07 | Invantis, Inc. | Ocular implants for delivery into an anterior chamber of the eye |
US10085633B2 (en) | 2012-04-19 | 2018-10-02 | Novartis Ag | Direct visualization system for glaucoma treatment |
US9241832B2 (en) | 2012-04-24 | 2016-01-26 | Transcend Medical, Inc. | Delivery system for ocular implant |
WO2014043698A2 (en) | 2012-09-17 | 2014-03-20 | Transcend Medical, Inc. | Expanding ocular implant devices and methods |
US9782293B2 (en) | 2012-09-28 | 2017-10-10 | Doci Innovations GmbH | Implant for treating glaucoma |
WO2014078288A1 (en) | 2012-11-14 | 2014-05-22 | Transcend Medical, Inc. | Flow promoting ocular implant |
WO2014085450A1 (en) | 2012-11-28 | 2014-06-05 | Ivantis, Inc. | Apparatus for delivering ocular implants into an anterior chamber of the eye |
US10159600B2 (en) | 2013-02-19 | 2018-12-25 | Aquesys, Inc. | Adjustable intraocular flow regulation |
WO2014145021A1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-18 | Orange County Glaucoma, Pc | Enhancement of aqueous flow |
US9987163B2 (en) | 2013-04-16 | 2018-06-05 | Novartis Ag | Device for dispensing intraocular substances |
CN106714664A (en) | 2014-07-01 | 2017-05-24 | 注射感知股份有限公司 | Hermetically sealed implant sensors with vertical stacking architecture |
CN106714665A (en) | 2014-07-01 | 2017-05-24 | 注射感知股份有限公司 | Methods and devices for implantation of intraocular pressure sensors |
US10709547B2 (en) | 2014-07-14 | 2020-07-14 | Ivantis, Inc. | Ocular implant delivery system and method |
US10507101B2 (en) | 2014-10-13 | 2019-12-17 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Valved conduit |
KR102081855B1 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2020-02-26 | 아큐시스, 인코포레이티드 | External placement of intraocular shunts |
AU2016307951B2 (en) | 2015-08-14 | 2021-04-01 | Alcon Inc. | Ocular implant with pressure sensor and delivery system |
WO2017049248A1 (en) | 2015-09-16 | 2017-03-23 | Orange County Glaucoma, Pc | Shunt for vascular flow enhancement |
WO2017106517A1 (en) | 2015-12-15 | 2017-06-22 | Ivantis, Inc. | Ocular implant and delivery system |
WO2018071346A1 (en) * | 2016-10-14 | 2018-04-19 | Michael Jerome Designs, LLC | Devices for intraocular surgery |
US11523940B2 (en) * | 2017-03-17 | 2022-12-13 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Delivery aids for glaucoma shunts |
WO2018231485A1 (en) * | 2017-06-13 | 2018-12-20 | Innfocus, Inc. | Systems, methods, and apparatus for treatment of glaucoma |
WO2019036025A2 (en) | 2017-08-17 | 2019-02-21 | Aspip Inc. | Method, device, and system for treatment of elevated intraocular pressure |
US11246753B2 (en) | 2017-11-08 | 2022-02-15 | Aquesys, Inc. | Manually adjustable intraocular flow regulation |
US11678983B2 (en) | 2018-12-12 | 2023-06-20 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Implantable component with socket |
JP2022552284A (en) | 2019-10-10 | 2022-12-15 | シファメド・ホールディングス・エルエルシー | Adjustable flow glaucoma shunt and related systems and methods |
WO2021151007A1 (en) | 2020-01-23 | 2021-07-29 | Shifamed Holdings, Llc | Adjustable flow glaucoma shunts and associated systems and methods |
WO2021168130A1 (en) | 2020-02-18 | 2021-08-26 | Shifamed Holdings, Llc | Adjustable flow glaucoma shunts having non-linearly arranged flow control elements, and associated systems and methods |
WO2021188952A1 (en) | 2020-03-19 | 2021-09-23 | Shifamed Holdings, Llc | Intraocular shunts with low-profile actuation elements and associated systems and methods |
WO2021212007A2 (en) | 2020-04-16 | 2021-10-21 | Shifamed Holdings, Llc | Adjustable glaucoma treatment devices and associated systems and methods |
US20230053897A1 (en) * | 2020-05-15 | 2023-02-23 | David Dean Richardson | Method and Apparatus for Implant in the Conventional Aqueous Humor Outflow Pathway of a Mammalian Eye |
AU2022205382A1 (en) | 2021-01-11 | 2023-06-22 | Alcon Inc. | Systems and methods for viscoelastic delivery |
WO2022159723A1 (en) | 2021-01-22 | 2022-07-28 | Shifamed Holdings, Llc | Adjustable shunting systems with plate assemblies, and associated systems and methods |
Citations (29)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4650461A (en) * | 1985-06-10 | 1987-03-17 | Woods Randall L | Extracapasular cortex irrigation and extraction |
US4846172A (en) * | 1987-05-26 | 1989-07-11 | Berlin Michael S | Laser-delivery eye-treatment method |
US4968296A (en) * | 1989-12-20 | 1990-11-06 | Robert Ritch | Transscleral drainage implant device for the treatment of glaucoma |
US5092837A (en) * | 1989-12-20 | 1992-03-03 | Robert Ritch | Method for the treatment of glaucoma |
US5180362A (en) * | 1990-04-03 | 1993-01-19 | Worst J G F | Gonio seton |
US5360399A (en) * | 1992-01-10 | 1994-11-01 | Robert Stegmann | Method and apparatus for maintaining the normal intraocular pressure |
US6007511A (en) * | 1991-05-08 | 1999-12-28 | Prywes; Arnold S. | Shunt valve and therapeutic delivery system for treatment of glaucoma and methods and apparatus for its installation |
US6063396A (en) * | 1994-10-26 | 2000-05-16 | Houston Biotechnology Incorporated | Methods and compositions for the modulation of cell proliferation and wound healing |
WO2000064393A1 (en) * | 1999-04-26 | 2000-11-02 | Lynch Mary G | Shunt device and method for treating glaucoma |
US6203513B1 (en) * | 1997-11-20 | 2001-03-20 | Optonol Ltd. | Flow regulating implant, method of manufacture, and delivery device |
US20010053873A1 (en) * | 1999-11-24 | 2001-12-20 | Hansgeorg Schaaf | Device for improving drainage of the aqueous humor within the eye of a living being |
WO2001097727A1 (en) * | 2000-06-19 | 2001-12-27 | Glaukos Corporation | Stented trabecular shunt and methods thereof |
US20020013572A1 (en) * | 2000-05-19 | 2002-01-31 | Berlin Michael S. | Delivery system and method of use for the eye |
US20020013546A1 (en) * | 1997-08-15 | 2002-01-31 | Grieshaber & Co. Ag Schaffhausen | Method and device to improve aqueous humor drainage in an eye |
WO2002036052A1 (en) * | 2000-11-01 | 2002-05-10 | Glaukos Corporation | Glaucoma treatment device |
US20020095113A1 (en) * | 1999-12-22 | 2002-07-18 | Makoto Kishimoto | Intraocular surgical apparatus |
US20020133168A1 (en) * | 2001-03-16 | 2002-09-19 | Smedley Gregory T. | Applicator and methods for placing a trabecular shunt for glaucoma treatment |
US20020165522A1 (en) * | 2001-05-03 | 2002-11-07 | Jorgen Holmen | Method for use in cataract surgery |
US20020165478A1 (en) * | 2001-05-02 | 2002-11-07 | Morteza Gharib | Bifurcatable trabecular shunt for glaucoma treatment |
US20020169468A1 (en) * | 2001-01-09 | 2002-11-14 | J.David Brown | Glaucoma treatment device and method |
US6533768B1 (en) * | 2000-04-14 | 2003-03-18 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Device for glaucoma treatment and methods thereof |
US20030060752A1 (en) * | 2000-04-14 | 2003-03-27 | Olav Bergheim | Glaucoma device and methods thereof |
US6544249B1 (en) * | 1996-11-29 | 2003-04-08 | The Lions Eye Institute Of Western Australia Incorporated | Biological microfistula tube and implantation method and apparatus |
US20030097117A1 (en) * | 2001-11-16 | 2003-05-22 | Buono Lawrence M. | Spray device |
US20030208217A1 (en) * | 2002-05-01 | 2003-11-06 | D.O.T. Dan Ophthalmic Technologies Ltd. | Surgical tool and method for extracting tissue from wall of an organ |
US6981958B1 (en) * | 2001-05-02 | 2006-01-03 | Glaukos Corporation | Implant with pressure sensor for glaucoma treatment |
US7163543B2 (en) * | 2001-11-08 | 2007-01-16 | Glaukos Corporation | Combined treatment for cataract and glaucoma treatment |
US20080281342A1 (en) * | 2007-05-07 | 2008-11-13 | D.O.T. Dan Ophthalmic Technologies Ltd. | Surgical Tool For Removing A Block Of Tissue From An Organ |
US8814820B2 (en) * | 2000-04-14 | 2014-08-26 | Glaukos Corporation | Ocular implant with therapeutic agent and methods thereof |
Family Cites Families (242)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3788327A (en) | 1971-03-30 | 1974-01-29 | H Donowitz | Surgical implant device |
US4037604A (en) | 1976-01-05 | 1977-07-26 | Newkirk John B | Artifical biological drainage device |
US4168697A (en) | 1977-01-17 | 1979-09-25 | Cantekin Erdem I | Middle ear ventilating tube and method |
US4113088A (en) | 1977-06-06 | 1978-09-12 | Binkhorst Richard D | Sterile package |
US4175563A (en) | 1977-10-05 | 1979-11-27 | Arenberg Irving K | Biological drainage shunt |
US4402681A (en) * | 1980-08-23 | 1983-09-06 | Haas Joseph S | Artificial implant valve for the regulation of intraocular pressure |
US4366582A (en) | 1980-12-01 | 1983-01-04 | Faulkner Gerald D | Posterior chamber intraocular lens |
NO147900C (en) | 1981-03-12 | 1983-07-06 | Finn Skjaerpe | MICROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT. |
US4428746A (en) * | 1981-07-29 | 1984-01-31 | Antonio Mendez | Glaucoma treatment device |
US4554918A (en) | 1982-07-28 | 1985-11-26 | White Thomas C | Ocular pressure relief device |
JPS5985153A (en) | 1982-11-08 | 1984-05-17 | Hitachi Ltd | Redundancy controller |
US4521210A (en) | 1982-12-27 | 1985-06-04 | Wong Vernon G | Eye implant for relieving glaucoma, and device and method for use therewith |
US4560383A (en) | 1983-10-27 | 1985-12-24 | Leiske Larry G | Anterior chamber intraocular lens |
US4634418A (en) | 1984-04-06 | 1987-01-06 | Binder Perry S | Hydrogel seton |
US4787885A (en) | 1984-04-06 | 1988-11-29 | Binder Perry S | Hydrogel seton |
US4604087A (en) | 1985-02-26 | 1986-08-05 | Joseph Neil H | Aqueous humor drainage device |
US4820626A (en) | 1985-06-06 | 1989-04-11 | Thomas Jefferson University | Method of treating a synthetic or naturally occuring surface with microvascular endothelial cells, and the treated surface itself |
US4632842A (en) | 1985-06-20 | 1986-12-30 | Atrium Medical Corporation | Glow discharge process for producing implantable devices |
US4718907A (en) | 1985-06-20 | 1988-01-12 | Atrium Medical Corporation | Vascular prosthesis having fluorinated coating with varying F/C ratio |
US4883864A (en) | 1985-09-06 | 1989-11-28 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Modified collagen compound and method of preparation |
US4733665C2 (en) | 1985-11-07 | 2002-01-29 | Expandable Grafts Partnership | Expandable intraluminal graft and method and apparatus for implanting an expandable intraluminal graft |
NZ215409A (en) | 1986-03-07 | 1989-02-24 | Anthony Christopher Be Molteno | Implant for drainage of aqueous humour in glaucoma |
CH670760A5 (en) | 1986-06-02 | 1989-07-14 | Sulzer Ag | |
US4722724A (en) | 1986-06-23 | 1988-02-02 | Stanley Schocket | Anterior chamber tube shunt to an encircling band, and related surgical procedure |
US4863457A (en) | 1986-11-24 | 1989-09-05 | Lee David A | Drug delivery device |
US4846793A (en) | 1987-03-18 | 1989-07-11 | Endocon, Inc. | Injector for implanting multiple pellet medicaments |
US4900300A (en) | 1987-07-06 | 1990-02-13 | Lee David A | Surgical instrument |
US4886488A (en) | 1987-08-06 | 1989-12-12 | White Thomas C | Glaucoma drainage the lacrimal system and method |
CA1295907C (en) | 1987-08-06 | 1992-02-18 | Thomas C. White | Glaucoma drainage in the lacrimal system |
US4997652A (en) | 1987-12-22 | 1991-03-05 | Visionex | Biodegradable ocular implants |
US4853224A (en) | 1987-12-22 | 1989-08-01 | Visionex | Biodegradable ocular implants |
US4816031A (en) * | 1988-01-29 | 1989-03-28 | Pfoff David S | Intraocular lens system |
US4936825A (en) | 1988-04-11 | 1990-06-26 | Ungerleider Bruce A | Method for reducing intraocular pressure caused by glaucoma |
CA1334168C (en) | 1988-04-26 | 1995-01-31 | Louis M. De Santis | Antiglaucoma compositions containing combinations of .alpha.-2 agonists and .beta. blockers |
US5005577A (en) | 1988-08-23 | 1991-04-09 | Frenkel Ronald E P | Intraocular lens pressure monitoring device |
US5681275A (en) | 1988-10-07 | 1997-10-28 | Ahmed; Abdul Mateen | Ophthalmological device with adaptable multiple distribution plates |
US5785674A (en) | 1988-10-07 | 1998-07-28 | Mateen; Ahmed Abdul | Device and method for treating glaucoma |
FR2651668B1 (en) | 1989-09-12 | 1991-12-27 | Leon Claude | MICROSCOPE-ENDOSCOPE ASSEMBLY USEFUL IN PARTICULAR IN SURGERY. |
US4946436A (en) | 1989-11-17 | 1990-08-07 | Smith Stewart G | Pressure-relieving device and process for implanting |
USRE35390E (en) | 1989-11-17 | 1996-12-03 | Smith; Stewart G. | Pressure relieving device and process for implanting |
US5164188A (en) | 1989-11-22 | 1992-11-17 | Visionex, Inc. | Biodegradable ocular implants |
DE4030004A1 (en) | 1990-01-05 | 1992-03-26 | Heino Dr Hermeking | INSTRUMENT WITH HOOK PLATE FOR IMPLANTING AN ARTIFICIAL LENS |
US5073163A (en) | 1990-01-29 | 1991-12-17 | Lippman Myron E | Apparatus for treating glaucoma |
US5129895A (en) | 1990-05-16 | 1992-07-14 | Sunrise Technologies, Inc. | Laser sclerostomy procedure |
US5127901A (en) | 1990-05-18 | 1992-07-07 | Odrich Ronald B | Implant with subconjunctival arch |
US5041081A (en) | 1990-05-18 | 1991-08-20 | Odrich Ronald B | Ocular implant for controlling glaucoma |
US5178604A (en) | 1990-05-31 | 1993-01-12 | Iovision, Inc. | Glaucoma implant |
US5397300A (en) | 1990-05-31 | 1995-03-14 | Iovision, Inc. | Glaucoma implant |
US5476445A (en) | 1990-05-31 | 1995-12-19 | Iovision, Inc. | Glaucoma implant with a temporary flow restricting seal |
US5083250A (en) | 1991-01-22 | 1992-01-21 | Malcolm Clarence D | Floatable ballon light accessory |
US5454796A (en) | 1991-04-09 | 1995-10-03 | Hood Laboratories | Device and method for controlling intraocular fluid pressure |
US5312394A (en) | 1991-04-29 | 1994-05-17 | Hugh Beckman | Apparatus and method for surgically performing a filtering operation on an eye for glaucoma |
US5246451A (en) | 1991-04-30 | 1993-09-21 | Medtronic, Inc. | Vascular prosthesis and method |
US5300020A (en) | 1991-05-31 | 1994-04-05 | Medflex Corporation | Surgically implantable device for glaucoma relief |
US5171213A (en) | 1991-08-14 | 1992-12-15 | Price Jr Francis W | Technique for fistulization of the eye and an eye filtration prosthesis useful therefor |
US5500013A (en) | 1991-10-04 | 1996-03-19 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Biodegradable drug delivery vascular stent |
US5207685A (en) | 1992-02-11 | 1993-05-04 | Cinberg James Z | Tympanic ventilation tube and related technique |
US5334137A (en) | 1992-02-21 | 1994-08-02 | Eagle Vision, Inc. | Lacrimal fluid control device |
US5346464A (en) | 1992-03-10 | 1994-09-13 | Camras Carl B | Method and apparatus for reducing intraocular pressure |
US5370641A (en) | 1992-05-22 | 1994-12-06 | O'donnell, Jr.; Francis E. | Laser trabeculodissection |
US5663205A (en) | 1992-05-22 | 1997-09-02 | Senju Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. | Pharmaceutical composition for use in glaucoma treatment |
DE4219299C2 (en) | 1992-06-12 | 1994-03-24 | Leica Mikroskopie & Syst | microscope |
US5767079A (en) | 1992-07-08 | 1998-06-16 | Celtrix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | Method of treating ophthalmic disorders using TGF -β |
US5290295A (en) | 1992-07-15 | 1994-03-01 | Querals & Fine, Inc. | Insertion tool for an intraluminal graft procedure |
US6197056B1 (en) | 1992-07-15 | 2001-03-06 | Ras Holding Corp. | Segmented scleral band for treatment of presbyopia and other eye disorders |
US5318513A (en) | 1992-09-24 | 1994-06-07 | Leib Martin L | Canalicular balloon fixation stent |
US5370607A (en) | 1992-10-28 | 1994-12-06 | Annuit Coeptis, Inc. | Glaucoma implant device and method for implanting same |
US5338291A (en) | 1993-02-03 | 1994-08-16 | Pudenz-Schulte Medical Research Corporation | Glaucoma shunt and method for draining aqueous humor |
AU685063B2 (en) | 1993-03-16 | 1998-01-15 | Photogenesis, Incorporated | Method for preparation and transplantation of volute grafts and surgical instrument therefor |
US5342370A (en) | 1993-03-19 | 1994-08-30 | University Of Miami | Method and apparatus for implanting an artifical meshwork in glaucoma surgery |
IL105828A (en) | 1993-05-28 | 1999-06-20 | Medinol Ltd | Medical stent |
US5731294A (en) | 1993-07-27 | 1998-03-24 | Hybridon, Inc. | Inhibition of neovasularization using VEGF-specific oligonucleotides |
US6184250B1 (en) | 1993-08-03 | 2001-02-06 | Alcon Laboratories, Inc. | Use of cloprostenol and fluprostenol analogues to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension |
US5735892A (en) | 1993-08-18 | 1998-04-07 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Intraluminal stent graft |
US5653724A (en) * | 1993-08-18 | 1997-08-05 | Imonti; Maurice M. | Angled phacoemulsifier tip |
FR2710269A1 (en) | 1993-09-22 | 1995-03-31 | Voir Vivre | Implantable device for the treatment of edemas. |
FI934513A (en) | 1993-10-13 | 1995-04-14 | Leiras Oy | Anordning Foer injection with implant |
US5639278A (en) | 1993-10-21 | 1997-06-17 | Corvita Corporation | Expandable supportive bifurcated endoluminal grafts |
US5443505A (en) | 1993-11-15 | 1995-08-22 | Oculex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | Biocompatible ocular implants |
US5743868A (en) | 1994-02-14 | 1998-04-28 | Brown; Reay H. | Corneal pressure-regulating implant device |
US5516522A (en) | 1994-03-14 | 1996-05-14 | Board Of Supervisors Of Louisiana State University | Biodegradable porous device for long-term drug delivery with constant rate release and method of making the same |
US6165210A (en) | 1994-04-01 | 2000-12-26 | Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc. | Self-expandable helical intravascular stent and stent-graft |
EP0754046A1 (en) | 1994-04-04 | 1997-01-22 | FREEMAN, William R. | Use of phosphonylmethoxyalkyl nucleosides for the treatment of raised intraocular pressure |
US5716394A (en) | 1994-04-29 | 1998-02-10 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Blood contact surfaces using extracellular matrix synthesized in vitro |
IL109499A (en) | 1994-05-02 | 1998-01-04 | Univ Ramot | Implant device for draining excess intraocular fluid |
FR2721499B1 (en) | 1994-06-22 | 1997-01-03 | Opsia | Trabeculectomy implant. |
US6177427B1 (en) | 1994-06-28 | 2001-01-23 | Alcon Laboratories, Inc. | Treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension |
US5704907A (en) | 1994-07-22 | 1998-01-06 | Wound Healing Of Oklahoma | Method and apparatus for lowering the intraocular pressure of an eye |
US5520631A (en) | 1994-07-22 | 1996-05-28 | Wound Healing Of Oklahoma | Method and apparatus for lowering the intraocular pressure of an eye |
US6102045A (en) | 1994-07-22 | 2000-08-15 | Premier Laser Systems, Inc. | Method and apparatus for lowering the intraocular pressure of an eye |
US5665114A (en) | 1994-08-12 | 1997-09-09 | Meadox Medicals, Inc. | Tubular expanded polytetrafluoroethylene implantable prostheses |
SE9402816D0 (en) | 1994-08-24 | 1994-08-24 | Pharmacia Ab | Method and meams for drug administration |
DE4433104C1 (en) | 1994-09-16 | 1996-05-02 | Fraunhofer Ges Forschung | Device for measuring mechanical properties of biological tissue |
US5702419A (en) | 1994-09-21 | 1997-12-30 | Wake Forest University | Expandable, intraluminal stents |
US6063116A (en) | 1994-10-26 | 2000-05-16 | Medarex, Inc. | Modulation of cell proliferation and wound healing |
JP3642812B2 (en) | 1994-11-17 | 2005-04-27 | 株式会社町田製作所 | Medical observation device |
US5601094A (en) | 1994-11-22 | 1997-02-11 | Reiss; George R. | Ophthalmic shunt |
US5602143A (en) | 1994-12-08 | 1997-02-11 | Allergan | Method for reducing intraocular pressure in the mammalian eye by administration of guanylate cyclase inhibitors |
US6228873B1 (en) | 1994-12-09 | 2001-05-08 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Method for enhancing outflow of aqueous humor in treatment of glaucoma |
US5725493A (en) | 1994-12-12 | 1998-03-10 | Avery; Robert Logan | Intravitreal medicine delivery |
US5433701A (en) | 1994-12-21 | 1995-07-18 | Rubinstein; Mark H. | Apparatus for reducing ocular pressure |
US5558630A (en) | 1994-12-30 | 1996-09-24 | Fisher; Bret L. | Intrascleral implant and method for the regulation of intraocular pressure |
GB2296663A (en) | 1995-01-03 | 1996-07-10 | Ahmed Salih Mahmud | Drainage device for alleviating excess ophthalmic fluid pressure |
WO1996020742A1 (en) | 1995-01-06 | 1996-07-11 | Wong Vernon G | Improve eye implant for relief of glaucoma |
WO1996024346A1 (en) | 1995-02-10 | 1996-08-15 | The University Of Toronto Innovations Foundation | Deprenyl compounds for treatment of glaucoma |
US6059772A (en) | 1995-03-10 | 2000-05-09 | Candela Corporation | Apparatus and method for treating glaucoma using a gonioscopic laser trabecular ablation procedure |
BE1009278A3 (en) | 1995-04-12 | 1997-01-07 | Corvita Europ | Guardian self-expandable medical device introduced in cavite body, and medical device with a stake as. |
US5626558A (en) | 1995-05-05 | 1997-05-06 | Suson; John | Adjustable flow rate glaucoma shunt and method of using same |
IL113723A (en) | 1995-05-14 | 2002-11-10 | Optonol Ltd | Intraocular implant |
US5968058A (en) * | 1996-03-27 | 1999-10-19 | Optonol Ltd. | Device for and method of implanting an intraocular implant |
DE69633074T2 (en) | 1995-05-14 | 2004-12-30 | Optonol Ltd. | INTRAOCULAR IMPLANT, INSERTION DEVICE AND IMPLANTATION PROCEDURE |
EP0773754B1 (en) | 1995-05-25 | 2004-09-01 | Medtronic, Inc. | Stent assembly |
US5723005A (en) | 1995-06-07 | 1998-03-03 | Herrick Family Limited Partnership | Punctum plug having a collapsible flared section and method |
CA2223479A1 (en) | 1995-06-08 | 1996-12-27 | Bard Galway Limited | Endovascular stent |
US6194415B1 (en) | 1995-06-28 | 2001-02-27 | Allergan Sales, Inc. | Method of using (2-imidazolin-2-ylamino) quinoxoalines in treating neural injury |
US5766243A (en) | 1995-08-21 | 1998-06-16 | Oasis Medical, Inc. | Abrasive polished canalicular implant |
US5547993A (en) | 1995-10-24 | 1996-08-20 | Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation | Therapeutic agent for glaucoma |
US5836939A (en) | 1995-10-25 | 1998-11-17 | Plc Medical Systems, Inc. | Surgical laser handpiece |
US6045557A (en) | 1995-11-10 | 2000-04-04 | Baxter International Inc. | Delivery catheter and method for positioning an intraluminal graft |
US5651783A (en) | 1995-12-20 | 1997-07-29 | Reynard; Michael | Fiber optic sleeve for surgical instruments |
US5798380A (en) | 1996-02-21 | 1998-08-25 | Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation | Cytoskeletal active agents for glaucoma therapy |
US6299895B1 (en) | 1997-03-24 | 2001-10-09 | Neurotech S.A. | Device and method for treating ophthalmic diseases |
US5807302A (en) | 1996-04-01 | 1998-09-15 | Wandel; Thaddeus | Treatment of glaucoma |
US6629981B2 (en) | 2000-07-06 | 2003-10-07 | Endocare, Inc. | Stent delivery system |
US5830179A (en) | 1996-04-09 | 1998-11-03 | Endocare, Inc. | Urological stent therapy system and method |
US5865831A (en) * | 1996-04-17 | 1999-02-02 | Premier Laser Systems, Inc. | Laser surgical procedures for treatment of glaucoma |
US5932299A (en) | 1996-04-23 | 1999-08-03 | Katoot; Mohammad W. | Method for modifying the surface of an object |
US6530896B1 (en) | 1996-05-13 | 2003-03-11 | James B. Elliott | Apparatus and method for introducing an implant |
US5670161A (en) | 1996-05-28 | 1997-09-23 | Healy; Kevin E. | Biodegradable stent |
US5681323A (en) | 1996-07-15 | 1997-10-28 | Arick; Daniel S. | Emergency cricothyrotomy tube insertion |
US6120460A (en) | 1996-09-04 | 2000-09-19 | Abreu; Marcio Marc | Method and apparatus for signal acquisition, processing and transmission for evaluation of bodily functions |
US5830139A (en) | 1996-09-04 | 1998-11-03 | Abreu; Marcio M. | Tonometer system for measuring intraocular pressure by applanation and/or indentation |
US6544193B2 (en) | 1996-09-04 | 2003-04-08 | Marcio Marc Abreu | Noninvasive measurement of chemical substances |
RU2143250C1 (en) | 1996-09-25 | 1999-12-27 | Астахов Сергей Юрьевич | Method for treating patients suffering from a combination of glaucoma and cataract |
US5733256A (en) * | 1996-09-26 | 1998-03-31 | Micro Medical Devices | Integrated phacoemulsification system |
US5886822A (en) | 1996-10-08 | 1999-03-23 | The Microoptical Corporation | Image combining system for eyeglasses and face masks |
US6007510A (en) | 1996-10-25 | 1999-12-28 | Anamed, Inc. | Implantable devices and methods for controlling the flow of fluids within the body |
US5925342A (en) | 1996-11-13 | 1999-07-20 | Allergan | Method for reducing intraocular pressure in the mammalian eye by administration of potassium channel blockers |
US6261256B1 (en) | 1996-12-20 | 2001-07-17 | Abdul Mateen Ahmed | Pocket medical valve & method |
GB9700390D0 (en) * | 1997-01-10 | 1997-02-26 | Biocompatibles Ltd | Device for use in the eye |
US5713844A (en) | 1997-01-10 | 1998-02-03 | Peyman; Gholam A. | Device and method for regulating intraocular pressure |
US6780165B2 (en) | 1997-01-22 | 2004-08-24 | Advanced Medical Optics | Micro-burst ultrasonic power delivery |
DE19705815C2 (en) | 1997-02-15 | 1999-02-11 | Heidelberg Engineering Optisch | Medical device for microsurgery on the eye |
FR2759577B1 (en) | 1997-02-17 | 1999-08-06 | Corneal Ind | DEEP SCLERECTOMY IMPLANT |
US6071286A (en) | 1997-02-19 | 2000-06-06 | Mawad; Michel E. | Combination angioplasty balloon/stent deployment device |
US5893837A (en) | 1997-02-28 | 1999-04-13 | Staar Surgical Company, Inc. | Glaucoma drain implanting device and method |
US6035856A (en) * | 1997-03-06 | 2000-03-14 | Scimed Life Systems | Percutaneous bypass with branching vessel |
US6059812A (en) | 1997-03-21 | 2000-05-09 | Schneider (Usa) Inc. | Self-expanding medical device for centering radioactive treatment sources in body vessels |
JP3827429B2 (en) | 1997-04-03 | 2006-09-27 | オリンパス株式会社 | Surgical microscope |
US5882327A (en) | 1997-04-17 | 1999-03-16 | Jacob; Jean T. | Long-term glaucoma drainage implant |
US6050970A (en) | 1997-05-08 | 2000-04-18 | Pharmacia & Upjohn Company | Method and apparatus for inserting a glaucoma implant in an anterior and posterior segment of the eye |
DE19728069C1 (en) | 1997-07-01 | 1999-02-11 | Acritec Gmbh | Device for measuring intraocular pressure |
US5752928A (en) | 1997-07-14 | 1998-05-19 | Rdo Medical, Inc. | Glaucoma pressure regulator |
US5980928A (en) | 1997-07-29 | 1999-11-09 | Terry; Paul B. | Implant for preventing conjunctivitis in cattle |
US5830171A (en) | 1997-08-12 | 1998-11-03 | Odyssey Medical, Inc. | Punctal occluder |
US6004302A (en) | 1997-08-28 | 1999-12-21 | Brierley; Lawrence A. | Cannula |
US6274138B1 (en) | 1997-09-03 | 2001-08-14 | Incyte Genomics, Inc. | Human mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase |
US6159458A (en) | 1997-11-04 | 2000-12-12 | Insite Vision | Sustained release ophthalmic compositions containing water soluble medicaments |
US6165209A (en) | 1997-12-15 | 2000-12-26 | Prolifix Medical, Inc. | Vascular stent for reduction of restenosis |
US6050999A (en) | 1997-12-18 | 2000-04-18 | Keravision, Inc. | Corneal implant introducer and method of use |
US6168575B1 (en) | 1998-01-29 | 2001-01-02 | David Pyam Soltanpour | Method and apparatus for controlling intraocular pressure |
US6589198B1 (en) | 1998-01-29 | 2003-07-08 | David Soltanpour | Implantable micro-pump assembly |
US6268398B1 (en) | 1998-04-24 | 2001-07-31 | Mitokor | Compounds and methods for treating mitochondria-associated diseases |
US6371960B2 (en) | 1998-05-19 | 2002-04-16 | Bausch & Lomb Surgical, Inc. | Device for inserting a flexible intraocular lens |
US6231853B1 (en) | 1998-06-01 | 2001-05-15 | Incyte Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | Human glutathione peroxidase-6 |
US6077299A (en) | 1998-06-22 | 2000-06-20 | Eyetronic, Llc | Non-invasively adjustable valve implant for the drainage of aqueous humor in glaucoma |
DE19840047B4 (en) | 1998-09-02 | 2004-07-08 | Neuhann, Thomas, Prof.Dr.med. | Device for the targeted improvement and / or permanent guarantee of the permeability for eye chamber water through the trabecular mechanism in the Schlemm's Canal |
KR100300527B1 (en) | 1998-09-03 | 2001-10-27 | 윤덕용 | Remote pressure monitoring device of sealed type and manufacture method for the same |
ATE322230T1 (en) * | 1998-09-10 | 2006-04-15 | Percardia Inc | TMR DEVICE |
US6241721B1 (en) * | 1998-10-09 | 2001-06-05 | Colette Cozean | Laser surgical procedures for treatment of glaucoma |
US6254612B1 (en) | 1998-10-22 | 2001-07-03 | Cordis Neurovascular, Inc. | Hydraulic stent deployment system |
US6348042B1 (en) | 1999-02-02 | 2002-02-19 | W. Lee Warren, Jr. | Bioactive shunt |
US6193656B1 (en) | 1999-02-08 | 2001-02-27 | Robert E. Jeffries | Intraocular pressure monitoring/measuring apparatus and method |
US6231597B1 (en) * | 1999-02-16 | 2001-05-15 | Mark E. Deem | Apparatus and methods for selectively stenting a portion of a vessel wall |
US6217895B1 (en) | 1999-03-22 | 2001-04-17 | Control Delivery Systems | Method for treating and/or preventing retinal diseases with sustained release corticosteroids |
US20050119601A9 (en) | 1999-04-26 | 2005-06-02 | Lynch Mary G. | Shunt device and method for treating glaucoma |
US6342058B1 (en) | 1999-05-14 | 2002-01-29 | Valdemar Portney | Iris fixated intraocular lens and instrument for attaching same to an iris |
US6558342B1 (en) | 1999-06-02 | 2003-05-06 | Optonol Ltd. | Flow control device, introducer and method of implanting |
US6201001B1 (en) | 1999-08-02 | 2001-03-13 | Abbott Laboratories | Imidazole antiproliferative agents |
US7033603B2 (en) | 1999-08-06 | 2006-04-25 | Board Of Regents The University Of Texas | Drug releasing biodegradable fiber for delivery of therapeutics |
US6187016B1 (en) | 1999-09-14 | 2001-02-13 | Daniel G. Hedges | Stent retrieval device |
DE19945879C2 (en) | 1999-09-24 | 2002-01-03 | Acritec Gmbh | Device for measuring the intraocular pressure with a foldable implant |
US6416777B1 (en) | 1999-10-21 | 2002-07-09 | Alcon Universal Ltd. | Ophthalmic drug delivery device |
PT1473003E (en) | 1999-10-21 | 2008-12-26 | Alcon Inc | Drug delivery device |
US6331313B1 (en) | 1999-10-22 | 2001-12-18 | Oculex Pharmaceticals, Inc. | Controlled-release biocompatible ocular drug delivery implant devices and methods |
US6579235B1 (en) | 1999-11-01 | 2003-06-17 | The Johns Hopkins University | Method for monitoring intraocular pressure using a passive intraocular pressure sensor and patient worn monitoring recorder |
US6287313B1 (en) | 1999-11-23 | 2001-09-11 | Sdgi Holdings, Inc. | Screw delivery system and method |
DE29920949U1 (en) | 1999-11-29 | 2000-04-27 | Bugge Mogens | Suction tube for surgical purposes |
KR100771149B1 (en) | 1999-12-10 | 2007-10-30 | 아이싸이언스 인터벤셔날 코포레이션 | Treatment of ocular disease |
US6450937B1 (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2002-09-17 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Needle for implanting brachytherapy seeds |
US6726676B2 (en) | 2000-01-05 | 2004-04-27 | Grieshaber & Co. Ag Schaffhausen | Method of and device for improving the flow of aqueous humor within the eye |
US20050119737A1 (en) | 2000-01-12 | 2005-06-02 | Bene Eric A. | Ocular implant and methods for making and using same |
CA2397166A1 (en) | 2000-01-12 | 2001-07-19 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Systems and methods for reducing intraocular pressure |
US6375642B1 (en) | 2000-02-15 | 2002-04-23 | Grieshaber & Co. Ag Schaffhausen | Method of and device for improving a drainage of aqueous humor within the eye |
US7708711B2 (en) | 2000-04-14 | 2010-05-04 | Glaukos Corporation | Ocular implant with therapeutic agents and methods thereof |
US20050049578A1 (en) | 2000-04-14 | 2005-03-03 | Hosheng Tu | Implantable ocular pump to reduce intraocular pressure |
US20040111050A1 (en) | 2000-04-14 | 2004-06-10 | Gregory Smedley | Implantable ocular pump to reduce intraocular pressure |
US7867186B2 (en) | 2002-04-08 | 2011-01-11 | Glaukos Corporation | Devices and methods for treatment of ocular disorders |
US20020143284A1 (en) | 2001-04-03 | 2002-10-03 | Hosheng Tu | Drug-releasing trabecular implant for glaucoma treatment |
US6749568B2 (en) | 2000-08-21 | 2004-06-15 | Cleveland Clinic Foundation | Intraocular pressure measurement system including a sensor mounted in a contact lens |
US6699211B2 (en) | 2000-08-22 | 2004-03-02 | James A. Savage | Method and apparatus for treatment of glaucoma |
US6428501B1 (en) | 2000-09-19 | 2002-08-06 | K2 Limited Partnership U/A/D | Surgical instrument sleeve |
FR2817912B1 (en) | 2000-12-07 | 2003-01-17 | Hispano Suiza Sa | REDUCER TAKING OVER THE AXIAL EFFORTS GENERATED BY THE BLOWER OF A TURBO-JET |
US6824521B2 (en) | 2001-01-22 | 2004-11-30 | Integrated Sensing Systems, Inc. | Sensing catheter system and method of fabrication |
US7488303B1 (en) | 2002-09-21 | 2009-02-10 | Glaukos Corporation | Ocular implant with anchor and multiple openings |
JP4264704B2 (en) * | 2001-04-07 | 2009-05-20 | グローコス コーポレーション | Glaucoma stent and glaucoma treatment method |
US7678065B2 (en) | 2001-05-02 | 2010-03-16 | Glaukos Corporation | Implant with intraocular pressure sensor for glaucoma treatment |
US7094225B2 (en) | 2001-05-03 | 2006-08-22 | Glaukos Corporation | Medical device and methods of use of glaucoma treatment |
CN1592640A (en) | 2001-08-16 | 2005-03-09 | Gmp视觉方案公司 | Shunt device and method for treating glaucoma |
US7331984B2 (en) | 2001-08-28 | 2008-02-19 | Glaukos Corporation | Glaucoma stent for treating glaucoma and methods of use |
US20030097151A1 (en) | 2001-10-25 | 2003-05-22 | Smedley Gregory T. | Apparatus and mitochondrial treatment for glaucoma |
AU2003219932A1 (en) | 2002-02-28 | 2003-09-16 | Gmp Vision Solutions, Inc. | Device and method for monitoring aqueous flow within the eye |
US7951155B2 (en) * | 2002-03-15 | 2011-05-31 | Glaukos Corporation | Combined treatment for cataract and glaucoma treatment |
US20030229303A1 (en) | 2002-03-22 | 2003-12-11 | Haffner David S. | Expandable glaucoma implant and methods of use |
US20040024345A1 (en) | 2002-04-19 | 2004-02-05 | Morteza Gharib | Glaucoma implant with valveless flow bias |
US20050159660A1 (en) | 2002-05-31 | 2005-07-21 | Valentino Montegrande | Intraocular pressure sensor |
US20070123767A1 (en) | 2002-05-31 | 2007-05-31 | Valentino Montegrande | Intraocular pressure sensor and method of use |
US20030236483A1 (en) | 2002-06-25 | 2003-12-25 | Ren David H | Dual drainage ocular shunt for glaucoma |
AU2003256657A1 (en) * | 2002-07-19 | 2004-02-09 | Yale University | Uveoscleral drainage device |
AU2003268169A1 (en) | 2002-08-27 | 2004-03-19 | Michigan State University | Implantable microscale pressure sensor system |
US7615010B1 (en) | 2002-10-03 | 2009-11-10 | Integrated Sensing Systems, Inc. | System for monitoring the physiologic parameters of patients with congestive heart failure |
US7131945B2 (en) | 2002-10-16 | 2006-11-07 | California Institute Of Technology | Optically powered and optically data-transmitting wireless intraocular pressure sensor device |
USD490152S1 (en) | 2003-02-28 | 2004-05-18 | Glaukos Corporation | Surgical handpiece |
US20040225250A1 (en) * | 2003-05-05 | 2004-11-11 | Michael Yablonski | Internal shunt and method for treating glaucoma |
EP1638508B1 (en) * | 2003-06-16 | 2014-08-13 | Solx, Inc. | Shunt for the treatment of glaucoma |
US20060069340A1 (en) * | 2003-06-16 | 2006-03-30 | Solx, Inc. | Shunt for the treatment of glaucoma |
US6939200B2 (en) | 2003-09-16 | 2005-09-06 | Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V. | Method of predicting plate lapping properties to improve slider fabrication yield |
US7291125B2 (en) * | 2003-11-14 | 2007-11-06 | Transcend Medical, Inc. | Ocular pressure regulation |
AU2004293075A1 (en) | 2003-11-20 | 2005-06-09 | Angiotech International Ag | Soft tissue implants and anti-scarring agents |
US20100173866A1 (en) * | 2004-04-29 | 2010-07-08 | Iscience Interventional Corporation | Apparatus and method for ocular treatment |
CN1976732A (en) * | 2004-04-29 | 2007-06-06 | i科学外科公司 | Apparatus and method for surgical enhancement of aqueous humor drainage |
US20080058704A1 (en) * | 2004-04-29 | 2008-03-06 | Michael Hee | Apparatus and Method for Ocular Treatment |
US7252006B2 (en) | 2004-06-07 | 2007-08-07 | California Institute Of Technology | Implantable mechanical pressure sensor and method of manufacturing the same |
ES2762239T3 (en) * | 2006-01-17 | 2020-05-22 | Alcon Inc | Glaucoma treatment device |
EP1978892B1 (en) * | 2006-01-17 | 2017-11-15 | Novartis Ag | Drug delivery treatment device |
US20070202186A1 (en) * | 2006-02-22 | 2007-08-30 | Iscience Interventional Corporation | Apparatus and formulations for suprachoroidal drug delivery |
JP2009534129A (en) * | 2006-04-18 | 2009-09-24 | カスケード オフタルミクス | Intraocular pressure attenuator |
EP2015671B1 (en) | 2006-04-26 | 2012-09-05 | Eastern Virginia Medical School | Systems for monitoring and controlling internal pressure of an eye or body part |
US20080306429A1 (en) * | 2007-06-07 | 2008-12-11 | Shields Milton B | Uveoscleral drainage device |
EP2182841A4 (en) | 2007-08-23 | 2013-04-03 | Purdue Research Foundation | Intra-occular pressure sensor |
US20100152565A1 (en) | 2008-07-15 | 2010-06-17 | Thomas Gordon A | Non-invasive tonometer |
EP2361033A4 (en) | 2008-12-22 | 2012-09-12 | Integrated Sensing Systems Inc | Wireless dynamic power control of an implantable sensing device and methods therefor |
-
2007
- 2007-01-16 US US11/653,815 patent/US7951155B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2011
- 2011-05-27 US US13/118,338 patent/US8882781B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2014
- 2014-11-10 US US14/537,782 patent/US20150223981A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2019
- 2019-02-19 US US16/279,133 patent/US20190321225A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (34)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4650461A (en) * | 1985-06-10 | 1987-03-17 | Woods Randall L | Extracapasular cortex irrigation and extraction |
US4846172A (en) * | 1987-05-26 | 1989-07-11 | Berlin Michael S | Laser-delivery eye-treatment method |
US4968296A (en) * | 1989-12-20 | 1990-11-06 | Robert Ritch | Transscleral drainage implant device for the treatment of glaucoma |
US5092837A (en) * | 1989-12-20 | 1992-03-03 | Robert Ritch | Method for the treatment of glaucoma |
US5180362A (en) * | 1990-04-03 | 1993-01-19 | Worst J G F | Gonio seton |
US6007511A (en) * | 1991-05-08 | 1999-12-28 | Prywes; Arnold S. | Shunt valve and therapeutic delivery system for treatment of glaucoma and methods and apparatus for its installation |
US5360399A (en) * | 1992-01-10 | 1994-11-01 | Robert Stegmann | Method and apparatus for maintaining the normal intraocular pressure |
US6063396A (en) * | 1994-10-26 | 2000-05-16 | Houston Biotechnology Incorporated | Methods and compositions for the modulation of cell proliferation and wound healing |
US6544249B1 (en) * | 1996-11-29 | 2003-04-08 | The Lions Eye Institute Of Western Australia Incorporated | Biological microfistula tube and implantation method and apparatus |
US20020013546A1 (en) * | 1997-08-15 | 2002-01-31 | Grieshaber & Co. Ag Schaffhausen | Method and device to improve aqueous humor drainage in an eye |
US6203513B1 (en) * | 1997-11-20 | 2001-03-20 | Optonol Ltd. | Flow regulating implant, method of manufacture, and delivery device |
US20010000527A1 (en) * | 1997-11-20 | 2001-04-26 | Optonol Ltd. | Flow regulating implant, method of manufacture, and delivery device |
US6510600B2 (en) * | 1997-11-20 | 2003-01-28 | Optonol, Ltd. | Method for manufacturing a flow regulating implant |
WO2000064393A1 (en) * | 1999-04-26 | 2000-11-02 | Lynch Mary G | Shunt device and method for treating glaucoma |
US20030069637A1 (en) * | 1999-04-26 | 2003-04-10 | Lynch Mary G. | Stent device and method for treating glaucoma |
US6464724B1 (en) * | 1999-04-26 | 2002-10-15 | Gmp Vision Solutions, Inc. | Stent device and method for treating glaucoma |
US6450984B1 (en) * | 1999-04-26 | 2002-09-17 | Gmp Vision Solutions, Inc. | Shunt device and method for treating glaucoma |
US20010053873A1 (en) * | 1999-11-24 | 2001-12-20 | Hansgeorg Schaaf | Device for improving drainage of the aqueous humor within the eye of a living being |
US20020095113A1 (en) * | 1999-12-22 | 2002-07-18 | Makoto Kishimoto | Intraocular surgical apparatus |
US20030060752A1 (en) * | 2000-04-14 | 2003-03-27 | Olav Bergheim | Glaucoma device and methods thereof |
US8814820B2 (en) * | 2000-04-14 | 2014-08-26 | Glaukos Corporation | Ocular implant with therapeutic agent and methods thereof |
US6533768B1 (en) * | 2000-04-14 | 2003-03-18 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Device for glaucoma treatment and methods thereof |
US20020013572A1 (en) * | 2000-05-19 | 2002-01-31 | Berlin Michael S. | Delivery system and method of use for the eye |
WO2001097727A1 (en) * | 2000-06-19 | 2001-12-27 | Glaukos Corporation | Stented trabecular shunt and methods thereof |
WO2002036052A1 (en) * | 2000-11-01 | 2002-05-10 | Glaukos Corporation | Glaucoma treatment device |
US20020169468A1 (en) * | 2001-01-09 | 2002-11-14 | J.David Brown | Glaucoma treatment device and method |
US20020133168A1 (en) * | 2001-03-16 | 2002-09-19 | Smedley Gregory T. | Applicator and methods for placing a trabecular shunt for glaucoma treatment |
US20020165478A1 (en) * | 2001-05-02 | 2002-11-07 | Morteza Gharib | Bifurcatable trabecular shunt for glaucoma treatment |
US6981958B1 (en) * | 2001-05-02 | 2006-01-03 | Glaukos Corporation | Implant with pressure sensor for glaucoma treatment |
US20020165522A1 (en) * | 2001-05-03 | 2002-11-07 | Jorgen Holmen | Method for use in cataract surgery |
US7163543B2 (en) * | 2001-11-08 | 2007-01-16 | Glaukos Corporation | Combined treatment for cataract and glaucoma treatment |
US20030097117A1 (en) * | 2001-11-16 | 2003-05-22 | Buono Lawrence M. | Spray device |
US20030208217A1 (en) * | 2002-05-01 | 2003-11-06 | D.O.T. Dan Ophthalmic Technologies Ltd. | Surgical tool and method for extracting tissue from wall of an organ |
US20080281342A1 (en) * | 2007-05-07 | 2008-11-13 | D.O.T. Dan Ophthalmic Technologies Ltd. | Surgical Tool For Removing A Block Of Tissue From An Organ |
Cited By (56)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9827143B2 (en) | 1999-04-26 | 2017-11-28 | Glaukos Corporation | Shunt device and method for treating ocular disorders |
US10492950B2 (en) | 1999-04-26 | 2019-12-03 | Glaukos Corporation | Shunt device and method for treating ocular disorders |
US9492320B2 (en) | 1999-04-26 | 2016-11-15 | Glaukos Corporation | Shunt device and method for treating ocular disorders |
US10568762B2 (en) | 1999-04-26 | 2020-02-25 | Glaukos Corporation | Stent for treating ocular disorders |
US9993368B2 (en) | 2000-04-14 | 2018-06-12 | Glaukos Corporation | System and method for treating an ocular disorder |
US10485702B2 (en) | 2000-04-14 | 2019-11-26 | Glaukos Corporation | System and method for treating an ocular disorder |
US9572963B2 (en) | 2001-04-07 | 2017-02-21 | Glaukos Corporation | Ocular disorder treatment methods and systems |
US10406029B2 (en) | 2001-04-07 | 2019-09-10 | Glaukos Corporation | Ocular system with anchoring implant and therapeutic agent |
US9987472B2 (en) | 2001-04-07 | 2018-06-05 | Glaukos Corporation | Ocular implant delivery systems |
US10828473B2 (en) | 2001-04-07 | 2020-11-10 | Glaukos Corporation | Ocular implant delivery system and methods thereof |
US10285856B2 (en) | 2001-08-28 | 2019-05-14 | Glaukos Corporation | Implant delivery system and methods thereof for treating ocular disorders |
US10485701B2 (en) | 2002-04-08 | 2019-11-26 | Glaukos Corporation | Devices and methods for glaucoma treatment |
US9301875B2 (en) | 2002-04-08 | 2016-04-05 | Glaukos Corporation | Ocular disorder treatment implants with multiple opening |
US10398597B2 (en) | 2006-06-26 | 2019-09-03 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Intraocular implants and methods and kits therefor |
US10314742B2 (en) | 2006-06-26 | 2019-06-11 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Intraocular implants and methods and kits therefor |
US11389328B2 (en) | 2006-06-26 | 2022-07-19 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Intraocular implants and methods and kits therefor |
US11865041B2 (en) | 2006-06-26 | 2024-01-09 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Intraocular implants and methods and kits therefor |
US11426306B2 (en) | 2009-05-18 | 2022-08-30 | Dose Medical Corporation | Implants with controlled drug delivery features and methods of using same |
US11166847B2 (en) | 2010-02-05 | 2021-11-09 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Intraocular implants and related kits and methods |
US10406030B2 (en) | 2010-02-05 | 2019-09-10 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Intraocular implants and related kits and methods |
US11471324B2 (en) | 2012-03-20 | 2022-10-18 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Ocular delivery systems and methods |
US11116660B2 (en) | 2012-03-20 | 2021-09-14 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Ocular delivery systems and methods |
US11951037B2 (en) | 2012-03-20 | 2024-04-09 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Ocular delivery systems and methods |
US11389327B2 (en) | 2012-03-20 | 2022-07-19 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Ocular delivery systems and methods |
US10857027B2 (en) | 2012-03-20 | 2020-12-08 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Ocular delivery systems and methods |
US10888453B2 (en) | 2012-03-20 | 2021-01-12 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Ocular delivery systems and methods |
US10179066B2 (en) | 2012-03-20 | 2019-01-15 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Ocular delivery systems and methods |
US9895258B2 (en) | 2012-03-20 | 2018-02-20 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Ocular delivery systems and methods |
US11617679B2 (en) | 2012-03-20 | 2023-04-04 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Ocular delivery systems and methods |
US9855167B2 (en) | 2012-03-20 | 2018-01-02 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Ocular delivery systems and methods |
US11344447B2 (en) | 2012-03-20 | 2022-05-31 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Ocular delivery systems and methods |
US9554940B2 (en) | 2012-03-26 | 2017-01-31 | Glaukos Corporation | System and method for delivering multiple ocular implants |
US11944573B2 (en) | 2012-03-26 | 2024-04-02 | Glaukos Corporation | System and method for delivering multiple ocular implants |
US11197780B2 (en) | 2012-03-26 | 2021-12-14 | Glaukos Corporation | System and method for delivering multiple ocular implants |
US10271989B2 (en) | 2012-03-26 | 2019-04-30 | Glaukos Corporation | System and method for delivering multiple ocular implants |
US11559430B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2023-01-24 | Glaukos Corporation | Glaucoma stent and methods thereof for glaucoma treatment |
US11523938B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2022-12-13 | Glaukos Corporation | Systems and methods for delivering an ocular implant to the suprachoroidal space within an eye |
US11253394B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2022-02-22 | Dose Medical Corporation | Controlled drug delivery ocular implants and methods of using same |
US10517759B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2019-12-31 | Glaukos Corporation | Glaucoma stent and methods thereof for glaucoma treatment |
US10959941B2 (en) | 2014-05-29 | 2021-03-30 | Glaukos Corporation | Implants with controlled drug delivery features and methods of using same |
US11019996B2 (en) | 2015-03-20 | 2021-06-01 | Glaukos Corporation | Gonioscopic devices |
US11826104B2 (en) | 2015-03-20 | 2023-11-28 | Glaukos Corporation | Gonioscopic devices |
US11019997B2 (en) | 2015-03-20 | 2021-06-01 | Glaukos Corporation | Gonioscopic devices |
US11090188B2 (en) | 2015-03-31 | 2021-08-17 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Ocular delivery systems and methods |
US11872158B2 (en) | 2015-03-31 | 2024-01-16 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Ocular delivery systems and methods |
US10299958B2 (en) | 2015-03-31 | 2019-05-28 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Ocular delivery systems and methods |
US11925578B2 (en) | 2015-09-02 | 2024-03-12 | Glaukos Corporation | Drug delivery implants with bi-directional delivery capacity |
US11564833B2 (en) | 2015-09-25 | 2023-01-31 | Glaukos Corporation | Punctal implants with controlled drug delivery features and methods of using same |
CN105434103A (en) * | 2015-12-29 | 2016-03-30 | 北京恒视远达医疗技术有限公司 | Miniature glaucoma drainage implant device and system |
US11318043B2 (en) | 2016-04-20 | 2022-05-03 | Dose Medical Corporation | Bioresorbable ocular drug delivery device |
US11744458B2 (en) | 2017-02-24 | 2023-09-05 | Glaukos Corporation | Gonioscopes |
US11116625B2 (en) | 2017-09-28 | 2021-09-14 | Glaukos Corporation | Apparatus and method for controlling placement of intraocular implants |
US11376040B2 (en) | 2017-10-06 | 2022-07-05 | Glaukos Corporation | Systems and methods for delivering multiple ocular implants |
USD938585S1 (en) | 2017-10-27 | 2021-12-14 | Glaukos Corporation | Implant delivery apparatus |
US11504270B1 (en) | 2019-09-27 | 2022-11-22 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Ocular delivery systems and methods |
US11857460B2 (en) | 2019-09-27 | 2024-01-02 | Sight Sciences, Inc. | Ocular delivery systems and methods |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20190321225A1 (en) | 2019-10-24 |
US20070118147A1 (en) | 2007-05-24 |
US7951155B2 (en) | 2011-05-31 |
US20120109040A1 (en) | 2012-05-03 |
US8882781B2 (en) | 2014-11-11 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20190321225A1 (en) | Combined treatment for cataract and glaucoma treatment | |
US7163543B2 (en) | Combined treatment for cataract and glaucoma treatment | |
US9789001B2 (en) | Ocular implant with therapeutic agents and methods thereof | |
US10285856B2 (en) | Implant delivery system and methods thereof for treating ocular disorders | |
US10485701B2 (en) | Devices and methods for glaucoma treatment | |
US9220632B2 (en) | Fluid infusion methods for ocular disorder treatment | |
EP1310222A2 (en) | Drug-releasing trabecular implant for glaucoma treatment | |
US7488303B1 (en) | Ocular implant with anchor and multiple openings | |
US7297130B2 (en) | Implant with anchor | |
US20040147870A1 (en) | Glaucoma treatment kit | |
US20030229303A1 (en) | Expandable glaucoma implant and methods of use |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GLAUKOS CORPORATION, CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SMEDLEY, GREGORY T.;HAFFNER, DAVID;NIKSCH, BARBARA;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20020703 TO 20020708;REEL/FRAME:035621/0906 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GLAUKOS CORPORATION, CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HILL, RICHARD A.;REEL/FRAME:044120/0946 Effective date: 20171012 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |