METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SUB-RETINAL CATHETERIZATION
First Claim
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1. A device for access to the subretinal space of an eye comprising:
- a catheter having a proximal end and distal end, said distal end comprising an atraumatic tip having a smooth surface;
said catheter having a distal end of 25 to 40 mm length, with flexural rigidity in bending and a response to critical buckling load sufficient to allow flexing of said catheter in the eye without causing substantial tissue trauma or distension of local tissue.
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Abstract
Devices and methods are provided for access to the sub-retinal space that lies between the retina and the choroid in order to introduce therapies to the retina and more specifically to the sensory retina and RPE, particularly in the region of the macula. The devices comprise a catheter that incorporates advantageous size, flexibility and tip features to properly, accurately and atraumatically access the sub-retinal space. Ancillary devices to assist in placing catheters into the sub-retinal space are also provided. The catheter devices incorporate a lumen for delivery of therapeutic substances or devices into the eye.
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Citations
32 Claims
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1. A device for access to the subretinal space of an eye comprising:
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a catheter having a proximal end and distal end, said distal end comprising an atraumatic tip having a smooth surface; said catheter having a distal end of 25 to 40 mm length, with flexural rigidity in bending and a response to critical buckling load sufficient to allow flexing of said catheter in the eye without causing substantial tissue trauma or distension of local tissue. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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- 9. A tubular shaft introducer characterized by a primary shaft axis and comprising a distal end disposed at an angle to said primary shaft axis, said shaft comprising a lumen of sufficient diameter to accommodate a catheter having a smooth surface.
- 13. A cannula device having a proximal end and distal end, said device comprising a bulbous distal tip and a lumen, said bulbous distal tip being of sufficient size to atraumatically dissect the choroid of an eye to access the subretinal space for injecting through said lumen a viscoelastic substance to create an opening through the choroid to access the subretinal space of the eye.
- 18. A method for catheterizing the sub-retinal space adjacent to the macula of an eye by introducing a catheter into the sub-retinal space in an area of peripheral retina by advancing a tip of said catheter in the sub-retinal space toward the macula.
- 28. A method for catheterizing the sub-retinal space adjacent to the macula of an eye by introducing a tubular shaft into the sub-retinal space in an area of peripheral retina, said shaft characterized by a primary shaft axis and comprising a distal end disposed at an angle to said primary shaft axis, said shaft comprising a lumen of sufficient diameter to accommodate a catheter having a smooth surface.
Specification