Systems and methods for delivering an ocular implant to the suprachoroidal space within an eye
First Claim
1. An ocular implant delivery system comprising:
- a delivery device comprising;
a generally elongated outer housing that is contoured;
an elongated insertion sleeve partially disposed in the outer housing and having a non-linear exposed distal portion extending out of a distal end of the housing,wherein the non-linear exposed distal portion has a first radius of curvature;
an obturator passing through a lumen of the insertion sleeve and having a non-linear distal portion extending beyond the non-linear distal portion of the insertion sleeve,wherein the non-linear distal portion of the obturator has a second radius of curvature that is larger than the first radius of curvature,wherein, in use, the non-linear distal portion of the obturator is adapted to provide access to a suprachoroidal space of an eye through a ciliary muscle attachment,wherein the non-linear distal portion of the obturator is flexible; and
a trigger mechanically coupled to the obturator such that movement of the trigger towards a proximal end of the housing retracts the obturator within the insertion sleeve; and
an implant adapted to be disposed on the non-linear portion of the obturator and positioned distally of the non-linear distal portion of the insertion sleeve prior to insertion of the delivery device into the eye,wherein, in use, a distal end of the insertion sleeve is adapted to react against a proximal end of the implant as the obturator is being retracted to release the implant.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Delivery devices, systems and methods are provided for inserting an implant into an eye. The delivery or inserter devices or systems can be used to dispose or implant an ocular stent or implant, such as a shunt, in communication with a suprachoroidal space of the eye. The implant can drain fluid from an anterior chamber of the eye to a physiologic outflow path of the eye, such as, the suprachoroidal space or other portion of the uveoscleral outflow path. The delivery or inserter devices or systems can be used in conjunction with other ocular surgery, for example, but not limited to, cataract surgery-through a preformed corneal incision, or independently with the inserter configured to make a corneal incision. The implant can be preloaded with or within the inserter to advantageously provide a sterile, easy-to-use package for use by an operator.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. An ocular implant delivery system comprising:
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a delivery device comprising; a generally elongated outer housing that is contoured; an elongated insertion sleeve partially disposed in the outer housing and having a non-linear exposed distal portion extending out of a distal end of the housing, wherein the non-linear exposed distal portion has a first radius of curvature; an obturator passing through a lumen of the insertion sleeve and having a non-linear distal portion extending beyond the non-linear distal portion of the insertion sleeve, wherein the non-linear distal portion of the obturator has a second radius of curvature that is larger than the first radius of curvature, wherein, in use, the non-linear distal portion of the obturator is adapted to provide access to a suprachoroidal space of an eye through a ciliary muscle attachment, wherein the non-linear distal portion of the obturator is flexible; and a trigger mechanically coupled to the obturator such that movement of the trigger towards a proximal end of the housing retracts the obturator within the insertion sleeve; and an implant adapted to be disposed on the non-linear portion of the obturator and positioned distally of the non-linear distal portion of the insertion sleeve prior to insertion of the delivery device into the eye, wherein, in use, a distal end of the insertion sleeve is adapted to react against a proximal end of the implant as the obturator is being retracted to release the implant. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. An ocular implant delivery device, comprising:
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a generally elongated outer housing that is contoured; an elongated insertion sleeve partially disposed in the outer housing and having a non-linear exposed distal portion that has a first radius of curvature; a tubular support member surrounding a portion of the elongated insertion sleeve, the tubular support member having a proximal end within the outer housing and a distal end extending outside of the outer housing, wherein the tubular support member is configured to facilitate coupling of the elongated insertion sleeve to the outer housing, and wherein the tubular support member surrounds a portion of the elongated insertion sleeve; an obturator passing through a lumen of the elongated insertion sleeve and having a non-linear distal portion extending beyond the non-linear exposed distal portion of the elongated insertion sleeve, wherein the non-linear distal portion of the obturator has a second radius of curvature that is larger than the first radius of curvature; and a trigger mechanically coupled to the obturator such that actuation of the trigger retracts the obturator into the insertion sleeve, thereby causing a proximal end of an implant disposed on the non-linear portion of the obturator to react against a distal end of the insertion sleeve so as to facilitate deployment of the implant from the obturator, wherein the non-linear distal portion of the obturator carrying the implant is configured to be advanced into a suprachoroidal space of an eye. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification