Ocular implant with stiffness qualities, methods of implantation and system
First Claim
1. A method of delivering an ocular implant into an eye, comprising:
- forming an incision in a cornea of the eye;
using a delivery instrument to insert the ocular implant through the incision into the anterior chamber of the eye;
passing the implant through the anterior chamber;
positioning at least a portion of the implant within the supraciliary space between the ciliary body and the sclera so that the implant forms a flow pathway configured to drain aqueous humor from the anterior chamber toward the suprachoroidal space after release of the implant from the delivery instrument; and
releasing the implant from the delivery instrument such that the implant transitions from a first shape to a straight shape after release of the implant from the delivery instrument.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Described herein are devices and methods for treating eye conditions. Described is an ocular implant including an elongate member having an internal lumen forming a flow pathway, at least one inflow port communicating with the flow pathway, and at least one outflow port communicating with the flow pathway. The elongate member is adapted to be positioned in the eye such that at least one inflow port communicates with the anterior chamber, at least one outflow port communicates with the suprachoroidal space to provide a fluid pathway between the anterior chamber and the suprachoroidal space when the elongate member is implanted in the eye. The elongate member has a wall material imparting a stiffness to the elongate member. The stiffness is selected such that after implantation the elongate member deforms eye tissue surrounding the suprachoroidal space forming a tented volume.
280 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A method of delivering an ocular implant into an eye, comprising:
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forming an incision in a cornea of the eye; using a delivery instrument to insert the ocular implant through the incision into the anterior chamber of the eye; passing the implant through the anterior chamber; positioning at least a portion of the implant within the supraciliary space between the ciliary body and the sclera so that the implant forms a flow pathway configured to drain aqueous humor from the anterior chamber toward the suprachoroidal space after release of the implant from the delivery instrument; and releasing the implant from the delivery instrument such that the implant transitions from a first shape to a straight shape after release of the implant from the delivery instrument. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of delivering an ocular implant into an eye, comprising:
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using a delivery instrument to insert the ocular implant into the anterior chamber of the eye; passing the implant through the anterior chamber; using the delivery instrument to form an opening in tissue adjacent the scleral spur and to separate a portion of a ciliary body from sclera; positioning at least a portion of the implant through the opening and between the sclera and ciliary body so that the implant forms a flow pathway configured to drain aqueous humor from the anterior chamber toward the suprachoroidal space after release of the implant from the delivery instrument; and releasing the implant from the delivery instrument such that the implant transitions from a first shape to a second shape that is less curved than the first shape after release of the implant from the delivery instrument. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification