Drug delivery device
First Claim
1. A method for maintaining an open internal passageway comprising surgically implanting a bioerodible drug delivery device at an internal orifice, said device comprising a base and a stem, said stem being shaped so as to substantially fill said orifice, said base and stem consisting essentially of a biologically inert bioerodible polymer matrix and, incorporated therein, a compatible therapeutic agent selected from one or more drugs, at least one of which drugs inhibits scarring and fibroblastic proliferation, and positioning said device such that at least a portion of said stem extends into said orifice.
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Accused Products
Abstract
This invention relates to a medical device and a method of using the device to deliver a continuous controlled supply of a medication to a specific internal site. Specifically, the invention comprises an inert, biodegradable implant impregnated with one or more therapeutic agents designed to provide a controlled, localized and sustained release of the therapeutic agents. In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises an ocular implant which bioerodes within the eye environment thereby gradually releasing the therapeutic agents at the site to be treated until the entire implant eventually erodes without the need for further surgery. The invention is especially suitable for treating post-operative glaucoma patients.
705 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method for maintaining an open internal passageway comprising surgically implanting a bioerodible drug delivery device at an internal orifice, said device comprising a base and a stem, said stem being shaped so as to substantially fill said orifice, said base and stem consisting essentially of a biologically inert bioerodible polymer matrix and, incorporated therein, a compatible therapeutic agent selected from one or more drugs, at least one of which drugs inhibits scarring and fibroblastic proliferation, and positioning said device such that at least a portion of said stem extends into said orifice.
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2. A method for controlled, localized and sustained delivery of a therapeutic agent to an internal orifice and for inhibiting scarring and closure of surgically-created drainage canal at said orifice comprising the following steps:
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(a) preparing a bioerodible implant apparatus comprising a base and a stem consisting essentially of a biologically inert bioerodible polymer matrix having incorporated therein a therapeutic agent selected from one or more drugs, at least one of which drugs inhibits scarring and fibroblastic proliferation; (b) shaping said stem so as to substantially fill said orifice; (c) surgically implanting said implant at said orifice; and
,(d) positioning said base such that at least a portion of said stem protrudes into said drainage canal and is in contact with at least a portion of the inner surface of said canal whereby said drainage canal is maintained utilizing both therapeutic and mechanical means. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4)
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- 5. A bioerodible drug delivery device for surgical intraocular implantation at a subconjunctival orifice comprising a base and a stem each consisting essentially of a bioerodible polymer matrix and, incorporated therein, a compatible therapeutic agent selected from one or more drugs, at least one of which drugs inhibits scarring and fibroblastic proliferation, wherein said base is of a generally flat shape with rounded edges and said stem is rounded and tapered so as to mate with said subconjunctival orifice whereby a drainage canal is maintained utilizing both therapeutic and mechanical means.
- 12. A bioerodible intraocular implant apparatus for treating post-operative glaucoma patients by implantation at the site of a surgically-created drainage canal comprising a generally flat, circular base and a tapered stem consisting essentially of a bioerodible polymer matrix having incorporated therein a therapeutic agent for preventing fibroblastic proliferation and scarring wherein said tapered stem is of a shape and dimensions so as to mate with said drainage canal whereby said drainage canal is maintained utilizing both therapeutic and mechanical means.
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14. A method for maintaining an open internal passageway comprising surgically implanting a bioerodible drug delivery device at a subconjunctival orifice, said device comprising a base and a stem each consisting essentially of a bioerodible polymer matrix and, incorporated therein, a compatible therapeutic agent selected from one or more drugs, at least one of which drugs inhibit scarring and fibroblastic proliferation, and positioning said device such that at least a portion of said stem extends into said orifice.
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15. A method for controlled, localized and sustained delivery of a therapeutic agent to a subconjunctival orifice and for inhibiting scarring and closure of a surgically-created drainage canal at said orifice comprising the following steps:
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(a) preparing a bioerodible implant apparatus comprising a base and a step each consisting essentially of a bioerodible polymer matrix having incorporated therein a therapeutic agent selected from one or more drugs, at least one of which drugs inhibits scarring and fibroblastic proliferation, wherein said base is of a generally flat shape with rounded edges and said stem is generally rounded and tapered; (b) shaping said stem so as to mate with said subconjunctival orifice; (c) surgically implanting said implant at said subconjunctival orifice; and
,(d) positioning said base such that at least a portion of said stem protrudes into said drainage canal and is in contact with at least a portion of the inner surface of said canal whereby said drainage canal is maintained utilizing both therapeutic and mechanical means. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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Specification