Apparatus and Method for Ocular Treatment
First Claim
1. A composite microcannula device with proximal and distal ends for access and advancement within the suprachoroidal space of the eye comprising, a flexible tubular sheath having an outer diameter of up to about 1000 microns and configured to fit within the suprachoroidal space of the eye;
- a proximal assembly configured for introduction and removal of materials and tools through said proximal end;
and a signal-producing beacon at said distal end to locate said distal end within the eye, wherein said signal-producing beacon is detectable visually or by non-invasive imaging.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention provides tools, materials and related methods to surgically access the suprachoroidal space of an eye for the purpose of performing minimally invasive surgery or to deliver drugs to the eye. The invention provides a flexible microcannula device (11, 13) that may be placed into the suprachoroidal space (12, 14) through a small incision (12A) of the overlying tissues, maneuvered into the appropriate region of the space, and then activated to treat tissues adjacent to the distal tip of the device.
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Citations
47 Claims
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1. A composite microcannula device with proximal and distal ends for access and advancement within the suprachoroidal space of the eye comprising,
a flexible tubular sheath having an outer diameter of up to about 1000 microns and configured to fit within the suprachoroidal space of the eye; -
a proximal assembly configured for introduction and removal of materials and tools through said proximal end;
and a signal-producing beacon at said distal end to locate said distal end within the eye, wherein said signal-producing beacon is detectable visually or by non-invasive imaging. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. A composite microcannula device for implantation in the suprachoroidal space of an eye for delivery of fluids to the posterior region of the eye comprising,
a flexible tubular sheath having proximal and distal ends with an outer diameter of up to about 1000 microns configured to fit within the suprachoroidal space of the eye; -
a self-sealing proximal fitting capable of receiving injections of fluids into said device, wherein said distal end of said sheath is adapted for release of fluids from said device into the eye. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33)
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34. A method for treating the suprachoroidal space of an eye comprising
a) inserting a flexible tubular sheath having proximal and distal ends and an outer diameter of up to about of 1000 microns and an atraumatic distal tip into the suprachoroidal space; -
b) advancing said sheath to the anterior region of the suprachoroidal space; and
c) delivering energy or material from said distal end to form a space for aqueous humor drainage. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36)
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37. A method for treating the posterior region of an eye comprising
a) inserting a flexible tubular sheath having proximal and distal ends and an outer diameter of up to about 1000 micron into the suprachoroidal space; -
b) advancing said sheath to the posterior region of the suprachoroidal space; and
c) delivering energy or material from said distal end sufficient to treat the macula, retina, optic nerve or choroid. - View Dependent Claims (38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44)
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45. A method for treating the tissues within or adjacent to the suprachoroidal space of an eye comprising
a) inserting a composite flexible microcannula device having proximal and distal ends and an outer diameter of up to about 1000 microns into the suprachoroidal space, said device comprising an atraumatic distal tip and an optical fiber to provide detection of tissues in the vicinity of said distal tip; -
b) advancing said device to the posterior region of the suprachoroidal space;
c) detecting and characterizing tissues in the suprachoroidal space to identify target tissues; and
d) delivering energy from said distal end to treat said target tissues. - View Dependent Claims (46, 47)
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Specification