Transretinal implant and method of manufacture
First Claim
1. A implantable device to deliver drugs to an eye, the eye having a retina, a sclera, and a vitreous cavity, said device comprising:
- a retinal implant that is positioned subretinally for drug release;
said retinal implant comprising a drug delivery device connected with a drug reservoir;
at least one connection between said drug reservoir and said retinal implant, wherein said connection is suitable to pass transretinally into the vitreous cavity of the eye;
said connection being suitable to pass through the sclera at a point where there is no retina; and
said drug reservoir is located outside the eye.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention is a retinal implant device to stimulate a retina of an eye thereby producing a specific effect in an eye, such as vision or drug treatment of a chronic condition. The retinal device is made of a retinal implant that is positioned subretinally and that contains a multitude of stimulation sites that are in contact with the retina. A connection carries the stimulating electrical signal or drug. The connection passes transretinally through the retina and into the vitreous cavity of the eye, thereby minimizing damage to the nutrient-rich choroid. The lead is attached to a source of drugs or electrical energy, which is located outside the eye. The lead passes through the sclera at a point near the front of the eye to avoid damage to the retina.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A implantable device to deliver drugs to an eye, the eye having a retina, a sclera, and a vitreous cavity, said device comprising:
- a retinal implant that is positioned subretinally for drug release;
said retinal implant comprising a drug delivery device connected with a drug reservoir;
at least one connection between said drug reservoir and said retinal implant, wherein said connection is suitable to pass transretinally into the vitreous cavity of the eye;
said connection being suitable to pass through the sclera at a point where there is no retina; and
said drug reservoir is located outside the eye. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
- a retinal implant that is positioned subretinally for drug release;
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5. An implantable device drug delivery device to deliver drugs for treatment to affect an eye, the eye having a retina, a sclera, and a vitreous cavity, said device comprising:
- a retinal implant that is positioned subretinally;
said retinal implant comprising at least one orifice connected with a drug reservoir;
at least one delivery conduit connected with said drug reservoir and with said at least one orifice, wherein said delivery conduit is suitable to pass transretinally into the vitreous cavity of the eye;
said delivery conduit suitably designed to pass through the sclera at a point where there is no retina; and
said drug reservoir is suitable to be located outside the sclera. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
- a retinal implant that is positioned subretinally;
Specification