OCULAR IMPLANT WITH SHAPE CHANGE CAPABILITIES

• US 20140107556A1
• Filed: 12/24/2013
• Published: 04/17/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 06/25/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alcon Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Transcend Medical Incorporated (Alcon Incorporated)
• Inventors: Silvestrini, Thomas A., John, Steven, Garcia, Jose, Lilly, Richard S.
• Granted Patent: US 10,016,301 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 37/00 Other apparatus for introducing media into the body for reproduction or fertilisation A61B17/425; apparatus for iontophoresis or cataphoresis A61N1/30; Percutany, i.e. introducing medicines into the body by diffusion through the skin salt baths A61H33/04

Abstract

Disclosed are devices, methods and systems for treatment of eye disease such as glaucoma. Implants are described herein that enhance aqueous flow through the normal outflow system of the eye with minimal to no complications. The implant can be reversibly deformed to a first shape, such as a generally linear shape conducive to insertion. Upon insertion, the implant can deform to a second shape, such as a generally non-linear shape conducive to retention within the eye. The shape also improves fluid flow from the anterior chamber and prevents or reduces clogging.

Claims

1. An ocular implant, comprising:

an elongate member defining a flow pathway, at least one inflow port communicating with the flow pathway, and an outflow port communicating with the flow pathway, wherein the elongate member includes first, proximal portion and a second, distal portion formed of an expandable material such that the second, distal portion is expandable outward relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate member to a size which is larger than the first proximal portion,

wherein the elongate member is configured to be implanted through a self-sealing corneal incision and positioned in the eye such that the inflow port communicates with the anterior chamber and the outflow port communicates with the suprachoroidal space.

2. An implant as in claim 1, wherein the elongate member is substantially tubular.

3. An implant as in claim 1, wherein the first, proximal portion does not substantially expand.

4. An implant as in claim 1, wherein the second distal portion is formed of an interwoven pattern of material.

5. An implant as in claim 4, wherein the second distal portion is formed through laser ablation of a tubular structure.

6. An implant as in claim 1, wherein the first proximal portion and the second distal portion are formed from a continuous tube.

7. An implant as in claim 1, wherein the first proximal portion and the second distal portion are formed from separate components which are joined together.

8. An implant as in claim 1, wherein the second distal portion is formed of a shape memory material.

9. An implant as in claim 8, wherein the shape memory material is nitinol.

10. An implant as in claim 1, wherein the second distal portion is formed of a substantially non-shape memory material.

11. An implant as in claim 10, wherein the material is stainless steel or a thermoplastic polymer.

12. An implant as in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the second distal portion is configured to be secured in an unexpanded state during delivery of the elongate member into an eye.

13. An implant as in claim 1, wherein the second distal portion is configured to plastically expand to a second shape after delivery into an eye.

14. An implant as in claim 1, wherein the second distal portion is configured to expand radially outward relative to a longitudinal axis.

15. An implant as in claim 1, wherein the second distal portion is formed of strands that form openings and at least a portion of the openings between the strands of the second distal portion are uncovered.

16. An implant as in claim 1, wherein the second distal portion is formed of strands that form openings and wherein at least a portion of the opening between the strands of the second distal portion are covered with a solid structure

17. An implant as in claim 16, wherein the solid structure is a dispersive coating.

18. A system for treating an ocular disorder in a patient, comprising:

an elongate member defining a flow pathway, at least one inflow port communicating with the flow pathway, and an outflow port communicating with the flow pathway, wherein the elongate member includes first, proximal portion and a second, distal portion formed of an expandable material such that the second, distal portion may expand outward relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate member to a size which is larger than the first proximal portion, wherein the elongate member is configured to be implanted through a self-sealing corneal incision and positioned in the eye such that the inflow port communicates with the anterior chamber and the outflow port communicates with the suprachoroidal space; and

a delivery device having a delivery component that removably attaches to the elongate member, wherein the delivery component is configured to secure the second, distal portion of the elongate member in an unexpanded state during delivery of the elongate member into an eye.

19. A system as in claim 18, wherein at least a portion of the second distal portion is configured to be secured in an unexpanded state during delivery of the elongate member into an eye.

20. A system as in claim 19, wherein the delivery component is further comprised of a sheath to constrain at least a portion of the implant.

21. A system as in claim 19, wherein the delivery component is configured to impart an axial force onto the implant to constrain at least a portion of the implant.

22. A system as in claim 19, wherein the delivery component is configured to plastically expand the implant to a second shape after delivery into an eye.

23. A system as in claim 19, wherein the delivery component is configured to deliver a fluid medium to plastically expand the second distal portion

24. A system as in claim 19, wherein the delivery device is configured to impart an axial force on the implant to plastically expand the second distal portion.