Composite ophthalmic microcannula

• US 20070179471A1
• Filed: 03/28/2007
• Published: 08/02/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 01/23/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nova Eye Incorporated
• Original Assignee: IScience Surgical Corp. (iScience Interventional Corporation)
• Inventors: McKenzie, John, Christian, Jeffrey, Conston, Stanley, Kupiecki, David
• Granted Patent: US 8,172,830 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/523
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3421 Cannulas
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 3/0008 provided with illuminating means A61B3/117 takes precedence; goniolenses used for laser treatment A61F9/009; illuminating means for optical instruments G02B27/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/007 Methods or devices for eye surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/00781 Apparatus for modifying intraocular pressure, e.g. for glaucoma treatment drainage implants in general A61M27/002
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/0042 Microcatheters, cannula or the like having outside diameters around 1 mm or less
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/005 with embedded materials for reinforcement, e.g. wires, coils, braids

Abstract

Microcannulae are constructed with multiple components in a composite design, allowing the microcannulae to have varying mechanical and delivery properties that will enable ophthalmic treatments by minimally invasive means. The microcannula includes at least one flexible, tubular communicating element with an outer diameter of 350 microns or less, a proximal connector for introduction of materials, energy or tools. It may also include a reinforcing member attached to the communicating element, which may be designed to create variable stiffness along the length of the microcannula. The microcannula may also include other features such as a signal beacon near the distal tip.

Claims

1. A composite microcannula for access and advancement into a tissue space of the eye comprising:

at least one flexible, tubular communicating element configured to fit within the tissue space and having a proximal end and a distal end;

a proximal connector attached to said proximal end, said proximal connector configured for introduction of materials, energy or tools;

and a reinforcing member connected with the communicating element,

wherein an outer diameter of said composite microcannula is no more than 350 microns.

2. The microcannula of claim 1, wherein the composite microcannula has a flexural rigidity in the range of 3.09 E-11 to 2.86 E-10 kN*m².

3. The microcannula of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing member provides greater axial and flexural stiffness at the proximal end of the microcannula as compared to the distal end of the microcannula.

4. The microcannula of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing element is malleable to allow manual shaping of the microcannula.

5. The microcannula of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing element comprises a metal.

6. The microcannula of claim 1, wherein the communicating element comprises a flexible polymer and the reinforcing member comprises a metal.

7. The microcannula of claim 1, wherein the microcannula comprises a signal beacon capable of identifying a position of the distal tip.

8. The microcannula of claim 1, wherein the microcannula further comprises at least one additional communicating element.

9. The microcannula of claim 8, wherein one of the communicating elements provides a signal beacon at the microcannula distal tip.

10. The microcannula of claim 8, wherein the additional communicating element is located within a lumen of the first communicating element.

11. The microcannula of claim 10, wherein the communicating elements are in concentric alignment.

12. The microcannula of claim 8, wherein the communicating elements are in parallel alignment

13. The microcannula of claim 1, wherein the microcannula comprises two or more reinforcing elements.

14. The microcannula of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing element comprises a coil.

15. The microcannula of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing element is tapered toward the distal end of the microcannula.

16. The microcannula of claim 1, wherein the communicating element includes a segment chosen from the group consisting of a segment of tubing, a segment of optical fiber and a segment of an electrical conductor.

17. The microcannula of claim 1, wherein the microcannula is configured to fit within a tissue space selected from the group consisting of Schlemm'"'"'s Canal, an aqueous collector channel, an aqueous vein, a suprachoroidal space and a retinal blood vessel of the eye.

18. The microcannula of claim 1, wherein the distal end has a rounded distal tip.

19. The microcannula of claim 18, wherein the communicating element comprises an optical fiber capable of delivering light to the rounded tip and wherein, when light is delivered to said rounded tip, said rounded tip acts to disperse the light for improved off-axis visualization.

20. The microcannula of claim 1, wherein the communicating element and the reinforcing element are joined by an outer sheath.

21. The microcannula of claim 20, wherein the outer sheath comprises heat shrink tubing.

22. The microcannula of claim 1, wherein the communicating element and the reinforcing element are joined with an adhesive.

23. The microcannula of claim 1, additionally comprising a lubricious outer coating.

24. A composite microcannula for access and advancement into a tissue space of the eye comprising:

at least one flexible, tubular communicating element having a proximal end, a distal end, and

a fluid communicating lumen,

a proximal connector configured for delivery of fluid,

a signal beacon,

and a second communicating element configured to deliver the signal beacon, the signal beacon being capable of identifying the microcannula distal tip,

wherein an outer diameter of said composite microcannula is no more than 350 microns.

25. The composite microcannula of claim 24, wherein the second communicating element comprises an optical fiber and the signal beacon delivers visible light.

26. The microcannula of claim 24, wherein the composite microcannula has a flexural rigidity in the range of 3.09 E-11 to 2.86 E-10 kN*m².

27. The composite microcannula of claim 24, additionally comprising a rounded distal tip.

28. The composite microcannula of claim 27, wherein the rounded distal tip acts to disperse the signal beacon for improved off-axis visualization.

29. A composite microcannula for access and advancement into a tissue space of the eye comprising:

a flexible, tubular communicating element configured to fit within the tissue space, the communicating element having a proximal end and a distal end;

a proximal connector attached to said proximal end, said proximal connector configured for introduction of materials, energy or tools;

a second communicating element comprising an optical fiber;

and a rounded distal tip forming the distal end of the microcannula,

wherein the microcannula is configured such that light is delivered through the optical fiber proximal to the rounded tip to disperse light at the distal tip to improve off-axis visualization and identification of the tip location within a tissue space of the eye.

30. The microcannula of claim 29, wherein the microcannula additionally comprises a reinforcing member connected with the communicating element.

31. The microcannula of claim 29, wherein the microcannula has an outer diameter of not more than 350 microns.