System and Method for Stabilizing Corneal Tissue After Treatment

• US 20110118716A1
• Filed: 10/29/2010
• Published: 05/19/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 10/30/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Avedro, Inc. (Glaukos Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Avedro, Inc. (Glaukos Corporation)
• Inventors: Marshall, John, Muller, David
• Granted Patent: US 8,177,778 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/20
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1815 using microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00029 open
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2009/00872 Cornea
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/007 Methods or devices for eye surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/0079 using non-laser electromagnetic radiation, e.g. non-coherent light or microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/013 Instruments for compensation of ocular refraction A61F9/008 takes precedence; Instruments for use in cornea removal, for reshaping or performing incisions in the cornea
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 38/1841 Transforming growth factor [TGF]
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0612 Eyes
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 27/02 Ophthalmic agents

Abstract

Systems and methods stabilize corneal tissue after treatment of the corneal tissue. For example, thermokeratoplasty may be applied to the corneal tissue to address disorders associated with abnormal shaping of the cornea. To stabilize the desired structural changes caused by the treatment, embodiments apply ophthalmic formulations that help to inhibit wound healing. Wound healing may occur in response to the application of the treatment and may produce further structural changes that mitigate or alter the desired effects of the treatment.

Claims

1. A method for applying therapy to an eye, the method comprising:

positioning an electrical energy conducting element in contact with a surface of an eye;

applying electrical energy to an area of the eye with the electrical energy conducting element, the electrical energy reshaping the area of the eye to a new shape, the new shape being determined by a pattern of energy application; and

applying a wound healing inhibitor to the surface of the eye, the wound healing inhibitor reducing at least one of corneal haze and central islands of the eye.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

applying a coolant to the surface of the eye, the coolant minimizing damage to the eye.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the electrical energy is microwave energy.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the wound healing inhibitor is an ophthalmic formulation.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the ophthalmic formulation is a drug.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the drug is at least one of Interleukin 10 (IL-10), Transforming Growth Factor beta 3 (TGFb3), and Mannose 6-phosphate (M6P).

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the drug is Mannose 6-phosphate (M6P), and the corneal haze is reduced by competing with latent Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFb) at an Insulin Like Growth Factor II receptor.

8. The method according to claim 7, the method further comprising:

determining Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFb) activity; and

controlling wound healing with the Mannose 6-phosphate (M6P) based on the TGFb activity.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the wound healing inhibitor is applied to the surface of the eye with at least one of an eye dropper and a drug application device removably attached to the eye.

10. A system for applying therapy to an eye, the system comprising:

an electrical energy source;

an electrical energy conducting element in contact with the electrical energy source, the electrical energy conducting element having a proximal end configured to receive electrical energy generated by the electrical energy source, and a distal end configured to apply electrical energy;

a wound healing inhibitor configured to reduce at least one of corneal haze and central islands of an eye; and

a wound healing inhibitor delivery element in contact with the wound healing inhibitor.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the system further comprises:

a coolant supply; and

a coolant delivery element in contact with the coolant supply, the coolant delivery element configured to deliver a pulse of coolant;

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the electrical energy is microwave energy.

13. The system according to claim 11, wherein the wound healing inhibitor is an ophthalmic formulation.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the ophthalmic formulation is a drug.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the drug is at least one of Interleukin 10 (IL-10), Transforming Growth Factor beta 3 (TGFb3), and Mannose 6-phosphate (M6P).

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the drug is Mannose 6-phosphate (M6P) that is configured to reduce the corneal haze by competing with latent Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFb) at an Insulin Like Growth Factor II receptor.

17. The system according to claim 16, the system further comprising:

a processor configured to determine Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFb) activity,

wherein the wound inhibitor delivery element is adjusted based on the Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFb) activity.

18. The system according to claim 11, wherein the wound healing inhibitor delivery element is at least one of an eye dropper and a drug application device configured to be removably attached to the eye.