COMPOSITE OPHTHALMIC MICROCANNULA

• US 20100240987A1
• Filed: 05/27/2010
• Published: 09/23/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 01/23/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nova Eye Incorporated
• Original Assignee: IScience Surgical Corp. (iScience Interventional Corporation)
• Inventors: Conston, Stanley R., Kupiecki, David J., Christian, Jeffrey J., McKenzie, John
• Granted Patent: US 8,348,924 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/424
• 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 microcannula for 360 degree cannulation of Schlemm'"'"'s canal of an eye comprising:

a flexible elongated element with a connector at the proximal end, a distal tip and a communicating channel therebetween, and having an outer diameter no more than 350 microns,

wherein said communicating channel is an optical fiber to transport light energy,

wherein said connector serves to connect to a light source, and provide a visual light source at the distal tip, and

wherein said distal tip is rounded.

2. The microcannula of claim 1, wherein the flexural rigidity is less than 7.5E-10 kN*m2.

3. The microcannula of claim 1, wherein the flexural rigidity is less than 2.86E-10 kN*m2.

4. The microcannula of claim 1, wherein, when light is delivered to said rounded tip, said rounded tip acts to disperse the light for improved off-axis visualization.

5. The microcannula of claim 1, further comprising a lubricious outer coating.

6. The microcannula of claim 1, wherein the flexible elongated element is contained within a polymer tube.

7. A method for placing the microcannula of claim 1 into the full circumference of Schlemm'"'"'s canal of the eye, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) inserting the microcannula into a dissection to Schlemm'"'"'s canal;

(b) activating a signal beacon capable of identifying a location of a distal tip of the microcannula;

(c) identifying the location of the distal tip of the microcannula by locating the source of the signal beacon through the sclera;

(d) and advancing the microcannula along Schlemm'"'"'s canal.