FLUID DRAINAGE DEVICE, DELIVERY DEVICE, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS OF USE AND MANUFACTURE

• US 20130006164A1
• Filed: 09/11/2012
• Published: 01/03/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 03/26/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alcon Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Optonol, Ltd. (Alcon Incorporated)
• Inventors: YARON, Ira, NISSAN, Oded, GOREN, Gal
• Granted Patent: US 9,173,774 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/8
• 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 27/002 Implant devices for drainage of body fluids from one part of the body to another intraocular A61F9/00781; middle ear A61F11/202
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 83/0596 Cutting wall of hollow work

Abstract

The disclosure provides an intraocular implant for allowing fluid flow from the anterior chamber of an eye, the implant comprising a tube having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a tube passage, wherein the inlet end is adapted to extend into the anterior chamber of the eye, and wherein the outlet end is adapted to be implanted adjacent scleral tissue of the eye. The implant may be adapted to drain aqueous humor into a suprachoroidal space or a juxta-uveal space. The disclosure also provides associated delivery devices, methods of use, and methods of manufacture.

Claims

1. An intraocular implant for allowing fluid flow from the anterior chamber of an eye, comprising:

a tube having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a tube passage;

wherein the inlet end is adapted to extend into the anterior chamber of the eye;

wherein the outlet end is adapted to be implanted adjacent scleral tissue of the eye; and

wherein the implant is adapted to drain aqueous humor into a suprachoroidal space or into a juxta-uveal space.

2. An intraocular implant according to claim 1, further comprising one or more side holes that are formed by lateral cuts or grooves in the tube.

3. An intraocular implant according to claim 1, further comprising one or more side holes that are formed by lateral cuts, grooves or channels in the tube and are staggered in relation to each other.

4. An intraocular implant according to claim 1, further comprising one or more flat surfaces along the length of the tube, giving the tube a reduced profile.

5. An intraocular implant according to claim 1, further comprising a flange at the inlet end or the outlet end, wherein the flange has one or more grooves or access pockets for receiving the wall of a delivery device.

6. An intraocular implant according to claim 1, further comprising a flange at the inlet end or the outlet end, wherein the flange has one or more spacers.

7. An intraocular implant according to claim 1, further comprising a flange at the inlet end or the outlet end, wherein an angle between the tube and a surface of the flange is about 10 to about 30 degrees.

8. An intraocular implant according to claim 1, wherein implant comprises a flange at the inlet end, and wherein the side of the flange at the inlet end that faces the tube is rounded, tapered or conical.

9. An intraocular implant according to claim 1, wherein the tube has one or more narrow areas, reduced profiles, or holes for suturing the implant in position.

10. An intraocular implant according to claim 1, wherein the tube has a curvature along its length.

11. An intraocular implant according to claim 1, wherein the implant is curved at the inlet end.

12. An intraocular implant according to claim 1, wherein the implant comprises a curved support portion attached to the tube.

13. A delivery device for implanting an intraocular implant for allowing fluid flow from the anterior chamber of an eye,

wherein the implant comprises a tube having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a tube passage;

wherein the inlet end is adapted to extend into the anterior chamber of the eye;

wherein the outlet end is adapted to be implanted adjacent scleral tissue of the eye to drain aqueous humor into a suprachoroidal space or into a juxta-uveal space; and

wherein the delivery device comprises a rodlike instrument.

14. A delivery device according to claim 13, wherein the delivery device comprises a bore for accommodating the implant.

15. A delivery device according to claim 13, wherein the delivery device comprises a recess for accommodating the tube of the implant and a tip for inserting into a hole in the implant.

16. A method of implanting an intraocular implant, comprising:

providing an implant comprising a tube having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a tube passage;

wherein the inlet end is adapted to extend into the anterior chamber of the eye;

wherein the outlet end is adapted to be implanted adjacent scleral tissue of the eye;

loading the implant in or on a delivery device;

forming an incision in the eye;

directing the implant to a desired implantation location, wherein the implant is positioned to drain aqueous humor into a suprachoroidal space or into a juxta-uveal space; and

withdrawing the delivery device.

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the implantation is performed ab externo.

18. A method according to claim 16, wherein the implantation is performed ab intern.

19. A method according to claim 16, wherein the outlet end of the implant is implanted in a suprachoroidal location.

20. A method according to claim 16, wherein the outlet end of the implant is implanted in a juxta-uveal location.