Gel plug for blockage of the canaliculus

• US 20050095269A1
• Filed: 11/04/2003
• Published: 05/05/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/04/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: James M. Christensen, Parviz Robert Ainpour
• Original Assignee: James M. Christensen, Parviz Robert Ainpour
• Inventors: Christensen, James M., Ainpour, Parviz Robert
• Application Number:
  US10/700,699
• Publication Number:
  US 20050095269A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 424/427
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/12022 Occluding by internal devices, e.g. balloons or releasable wires plugging an opening in the wall of an organ A61B17/0057; occluders for the cervical canal A61F6/146; vas deferens occluders A61F6/20
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/12099 characterised by the location of the occluder
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1219 expandable in contact with liquids
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/00772 Apparatus for restoration of tear ducts
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0612 Eyes

Abstract

A cylindrical plug for insertion through the punctum and into the canaliculus to block the flow of tears therethrough comprises an insert of a gelatinous material which when hydrated expands and changes shape, conforming at least to a portion of the canaliculus crossection and contacting the walls of the canaliculus, thus blocking flow. The gel plug can be inserted in a dry state and hydrating in situ or hydrated, either partially or fully, prior to insertion.

Claims

1. A device for blocking the flow of fluids through the canaliculus of a patient comprising a plug of a biocompatible, hydrophilic, non-degradable polymer in a cylindrical form having a diameter and length in a dehydrated condition, the diameter of the cylinder sized to allow insertion of the plug through the punctum and into the canaliculus of said patient;

said polymer swellable after insertion by fluids absorbed from the canaliculus to become a gel the dimensions of the swollen plug being sufficient to block the flow of fluid through the canaliculus.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the dry plug is less than about 1 millimeter in diameter and less than about 6 millimeters long.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the material forms a gel having a water content of greater than about 80%.

4. A method for blocking the flow of lacrimal fluid through the canaliculus of a patient comprising inserting a cylindrical plug comprising a biocompatible, hydrophilic, non-degradable polymer through the punctum and into the canaliculus of said patient, the cylindrical plug having a diameter and length when dry which is suitable for insertion therein, said polymer being capable of absorbing fluids and swelling to become a gel structure with dimensions suitable for blocking the flow of fluid through the canaliculus.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the cylindrical plug is inserted in a dry form into the canaliculus, the polymer absorbing fluid from the canaliculus to form a gel.

6. The method of claim 4 wherein the cylindrical plug is fully hydrated prior to insertion into the canaliculus.

7. The method of claim 4 wherein the cylindrical plug is partially hydrated prior to insertion into the canaliculus, the polymer absorbing fluid from the canaliculus to become fully hydrated.

8. The device of claim 4, wherein the dry plug is less than about 1 millimeter in diameter and less than about 6 millimeters long.

9. The device of claim 4, wherein the material forms a gel having a water content of greater than about 80%.

10. A device for blocking the flow of fluids through the canaliculus of a patient comprising a biocompatible, hydrophilic, non-degradable, soft and pliable polymer gel plug completely filling the lumin and in contact with the walls of the canaliculus, thereby blocking fluid flow through the canaliculus.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the gel plug is formed from a hydrogel material having a water content greater than about 80%.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein the gel plug is inserted into the canaliculus in a dry state where it absorbs fluids from the canaliculus to form a swollen gel.

13. The device of claim 10, wherein the cylindrical plug is hydrated prior to insertion into the canaliculus.