DEVICE FOR INTRAOCULAR ADMINISTRATION OF A SUBSTANCE, FOR EXAMPLE A MEDICATION, INTO A HUMAN OR ANIMAL EYE BY MEANS OF A HYPODERMIC NEEDLE.

• US 20100318034A1
• Filed: 12/11/2007
• Published: 12/16/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 02/08/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sharpsight B.V.
• Original Assignee: Sharpsight B.V.
• Inventors: Goncalves, Arnaldo
• Granted Patent: US 9,144,516 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/174
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/0017 implantable in, or in contact with, the eye, e.g. ocular inserts

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for intraocular administration of a substance, for example a medication, into a human or animal eye by means of a hypodermic needle. Until recently, intravitreal or intraocular injections, by which a substance, and more in particular a medication, is injected into a human or animal eye by means of a hypodermic needle, were only used in exceptional cases. Especially in the treatment of endophtalmitis, an infrequently occurring intraocular inflammation of the eye, antibiotics are often administered intravitreally. The object of the invention is to provide a tool which makes it possible, using one instrument, to keep the eye stationary and at the same time facilitate giving the injection, which will be carried out under identical, reproducible circumstances at all times in that case. According to the invention, the device is characterised in that it comprises a support element to be placed on the eye as well as directing means for orienting the hypodermic needle relative to the eye. Thus it is possible to carry out such eye treatments in an identical, reproducible manner, thereby preventing all kinds of traumas to the eye—resulting from undesirable incorrect insertion of the hypodermic needle—and the associated inconvenience to the patient.

Claims

1. A device for intraocular administration of a substance, for example a medication, into a human or animal eye by means of a hypodermic needle, comprising a support element to be placed on the eye as well as directing means for orienting the hypodermic needle relative to the eye.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the support element comprises an annular support surface to be placed on the eye.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein said support element comprises a handle.

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein said handle is built up of two or more arm handles, which are interconnected with a first end and which are provided at different positions on the support element with their other end.

5. A device according to claim 1, wherein the directing means comprise at least one bore formed in the support element, through which the hypodermic needle can be passed.

6. A device according to claim 5, wherein the bore will be located at the cornea-sclera transition zone of the eye when the support element is positioned on the eye.

7. A device according to claim 5, wherein the angle between the bore and the eye surface ranges between 70°

and 95°

.

8. A device according to claim 5, wherein the bore has a diameter corresponding to that of 25 G-30 G hypodermic needles.

9. A device according to claim 5, wherein an upright edge functioning as a stop is provided round the bore.

10. A device according to claim 1, wherein the support element comprises an annular support surface to be placed on the eye.

11. A device according to claim 1, wherein said support element is provided with friction-increasing means so as to realise a stable position on the eye.

12. A device according to claim 11, wherein said friction-increasing means consist of one or more barbs provided on the support element.

13. A device according to claim 1, wherein the support element is provided with at least one orientation projection to be oriented against the edge of the limbus of the eye.

14. A device according to claim 1, wherein said support element is provided with means arranged for keeping the eye open.

15. A device according to claim 14, wherein said means are disposed on either side of the support element.

16. A device according to claim 14, wherein said means comprise at least one spreading element to be placed against an eyelid.

17. A device according to claim 16, wherein said spreading element extends in the plane of the support element.

18. A device according to claim 16, wherein said spreading element has a curved shape

19. A device according to claim 1, wherein the support element is provided with means arranged for moving the conjunctiva that covers the eye relative to the eye temporarily prior to the insertion of the hypodermic needle into the eye.

20. A device according to claim 19, wherein said moving means are provided at the location of the directing means.

21. A device according to claim 19, wherein said moving means comprise at least one projection directed towards the eye.

22. A device according to claim 21, wherein said projection projects about 1-2 mm.

23. A device according to claim 21, wherein said projection has a bevelled end surface.